Tricia Croasdell
CEO, World Animal Protection
Often, wild animals are seen as commodities to be used, rather than sentient beings who can feel fear and pain. We have a responsibility to protect wildlife and their habitats.
We must make this the last generation of wild animals to suffer the cruelty of human actions or the indignities of captivity.
Exploitation of wild animals
Our research shows approximately 5.5 billion wild animals are exploited commercially on wildlife farms to meet demands in tourism, fashion and other industries. These animals are bred, raised and sold, for human greed and exploitation. There is an astonishing lack of transparency or adequate monitoring across these global industries. The poorly regulated multimillion-dollar wildlife farming industry is catastrophic for animal welfare and has links to our own health.
Investing in animal welfare
The wellbeing of animals, people and the planet are all interconnected. Improving animal welfare is a valuable investment in protecting nature, biodiversity and global health. As we face a warming planet and a need to address our future on this earth, we need to put animal welfare at the centre of our future economies.
We have the power to change
how we treat animals.
Most emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from wildlife, with human actions increasing the risk of disease emergence and transmission. Wildlife exploitation, biodiversity loss and climate change are closely linked: wildlife exploitation accelerates biodiversity loss by depleting populations and disrupting ecosystems, which reduces carbon sinks and further accelerates climate change.
Our role in changing how we treat animals
Fortunately, we have the power to change how we treat animals. Choosing humane tourist attractions, avoiding products made from wild animal parts and not purchasing wild animals as pets are impactful steps that will not only protect animals but also help improve biodiversity, reduce pandemic risks and mitigate climate change.
Governments and the private sector have a significant responsibility to introduce policies to phase out wildlife farming and support alternative livelihoods for the communities who rely upon it. We all have a vital role to play to stop the cruelty and ensure no more wild animals are bred for profit. We all have a right to live free from harm — wild animals included.
