12WSPA NEWS | ISSUE 3 GUIDE Take action for animals As a WSPA supporter you already do so much for animals around the world. But there are a few things that you can do closer to home that will make a difference too. Just follow our simple 10- step guide… 12WSPA Do a cruelty- free check Labels on cosmetics and toiletries can be quite misleading – ' not tested on animals' sounds good, but this can just refer to the end product rather than the ingredients that make it up. Companies which are truly cruelty- free don't conduct or commission animal testing. They also apply a verifiable fixed cut- off date – an unmoveable date after which none of their products or ingredients have been animal- tested. Contact the company concerned to find out their policy. 4 © istock Protect your pets Make sure your pets' vaccinations are up- to- date to prevent the spread of diseases. If you haven't already, you could also ask your vet about neutering. There are an estimated half a billion stray dogs and an equal number of stray cats in the world, so it's important not to add to the problem by letting yours have unwanted puppies and kittens. You should also identify your cats and dogs so that if they are ever lost they can be returned to you easily. Why not visit www. wspa. org. uk and search for pet care. 3 © Marcos Pinto Volunteer for animals Volunteering to help animals in need is a great way to meet like- minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. As a volunteer you can also gain new skills or develop existing ones and have an opportunity to make a real difference. For volunteer opportunities you could try your local animal shelter – look in your phone book for details. Or, if you live in or near London you could also volunteer for WSPA by helping out with our fundraising and administration work. To find out more e- mail: volunteering@ wspa. org. uk or use the contact details at the front of WSPA News. 2 © istock Choose farm- animal friendly Always read the label to be sure what you are buying. Products bearing the Soil Association logo have been produced to the highest possible animal welfare standards in the UK. The RSPCA's Freedom Food logo also indicates farm animal products that have been reared and slaughtered to high standards. Choose free- range eggs and meat now widely available in supermarkets. 1

WSPA NEWS | ISSUE 313 FEAGTUUIDRE Be an animal- friendly traveller If your tour operator promotes holiday horrors such as bullfights, dolphinariums, animal performances at zoos and other activities featuring the cruel exploitation of animals, please complain. If you see animals being cruelly treated on holiday visit www. wspa. org. uk and fill in our reporting cruelty form. © ADDA 5 Join our campaigns Find out about our campaigns on specific animal issues. There is usually lots you can do to help – whether it is writing to your local MP or overseas governments to encourage change to protect animals. By speaking out you can give animals a voice! Visit www. wspa. org. uk/ helping/ action 7 Pass it on Help raise awareness of animal welfare by sharing your copy of WSPA News or forwarding our e- newsletters to friends and family. Libraries, doctors and dentists are all great places to leave your finished copies. If you don't already receive our newsletters and would like to, please visit: www. wspa. org. uk 6 Watch wildlife wisely Whale watching tours and safaris are a wonderful way to see wildlife up close. However, not all operators respect the animals involved. Vehicles and vessels that get too close can cause great stress and affect the natural behaviour – including breeding patterns – of the animals being watched. Ask to see a code of conduct before you book – the code should protect the welfare of the animals involved. 9 © istock Sign the Animals Matter petition We want the United Nations to adopt the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare – the first ever international agreement recognising that animals are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and that their welfare should be respected. Show that animals matter to you visit www. wspa. org. uk and sign our petition. 10 © Marcos Pinto Leave a gift in your Will Thirteen percent of all the funds we raise come from the generosity of people who leave a gift to WSPA in their Will. As well as ensuring your loved ones are taken care of, you can also use your Will to demonstrate your lifelong love of animals. For further information call 0845 073 7500 - calls and contacts treated in the strictest confidence. 8 © istock