1. World Society for the Protection of Animals Role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in animal welfare Workshop on regional cooperation on animal welfare, Amman, 04-06 October 2009 Sofia Parente, Programmes Manager, World Society for the Protection of Animals

2. World Society for the Protection of Animals Size and importance of NGO sector  Information regarding the number, size and importance is scarce.  For example in the UK, 190,000 registered charities registered, annual income of over £40 billion and assets of a further £70 billion, over 600,000 paid staff and 925,000 trustee positions.  They range from local village organisations to national arts organisations to international disaster relief charities.  Volunteer work’s importance difficult to calculate but vital for most NGOs.  Commitment to voluntary action, build a strong civil society and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

3. World Society for the Protection of Animals Animal Welfare NGOs  Information regarding the number, size and importance is scarce.  Largest number and capacity is in North America and Europe but…  In India, for example, there 1,000s animal welfare NGOs.  In the Middle East region, WSPA alone has 37 registered member societies in 14 countries.  MENAW (Middle East Network for Animal Welfare) has 27 members and growing.

4. World Society for the Protection of Animals Animal Welfare NGOs  Projects (hospitals, shelters, demonstration of practical alternatives, training, etc.).  Campaigns.  Policy work.  Education.  Disaster relief and disaster prevention.  Others (Research & Development).

5. World Society for the Protection of Animals Projects  Practical solutions to a current animal welfare problem.  Prevention.  Humane Centre for Animal Welfare veterinary hospital, Jordan.  Veterinary Treatment for Equines and Training Owners in Animal Welfare Practises WSPA, Brooke, Committee for Rehabilitation Aid to Afghanistan, Afghanistan.

6. World Society for the Protection of Animals Campaigns  Create and mobilise political and public concern to influence the policies and practices of public and private bodies.  Cataliser to long lasting change.  Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

7. World Society for the Protection of Animals Policy work  Partnering with governments and private sector to change policies and practices.  Collaboration with intergovernmental organisations (for example OIE), national or local governments, food companies, retailers, among others.  Animal Welfare guidelines for a future Global Halal Standard, WSPA  Zoos and Pet Shop regulations in Jordan, Humane Centre for Animal Welfare.

8. World Society for the Protection of Animals Education  To develop compassion, a sense of justice and respect for animals and people.  Primary and secondary school level, vocational level, higher education level as well as communities and specific groups.  Education programme reaching school children 5-18 years old and pet shop owners, Egyptian Society Animal Friends, Egypt.  Education programme reaching school children 9-17 years old and teachers, Humane Centre for Animal Welfare, Jordan.

9. World Society for the Protection of Animals Disaster relief and disaster prevention  Natural and man-made disasters. Animals can be the forgotten victims.  Many of the world’s poorest communities are totally reliant on animals for food, transport and their livelihoods.  Palestine Wildlife Society in Gaza strip 2009.  Animals Lebanon during Israel Lebanon conflict in 2006.  WSPA Kabul zoo animals and medicines for veterinary clinics in 2002.

10. World Society for the Protection of Animals What role for NGOs in the Middle East?  Despite many initiatives in existence, most countries in the region lack overarching animal welfare protection legislation and implementation.  Middle East region has yet to define an animal welfare strategy.  Start by implementing and enforcing OIE animal welfare standards.  NGOs key partners in ALL these processes.