Animals need a voice

Hi Denis Lacourciere,

This month, we're urging you to take action on a crucial animal welfare issue. A WSPA investigation has revealed that one of the holiday season's most popular symbols, the reindeer, is being subjected to immense suffering in large-scale round-ups and slaughter in Sweden and Finland. Read the story below to find out how you can help stop this cruelty. In better news, we've also got a heartwarming story of abear named Chowti who was recently rescued from a brutal bear baiting event and is now being cared for at our Balkasar sanctuary.

Investigation exposes cruelty at Christmas

A WSPA investigation has revealed that reindeer are being subjected to immense suffering in large-scale round-ups and slaughter in Sweden and Finland.

Footage obtained by WSPA clearly shows the suffering and distress inflicted on herds of reindeer as they are rounded up, transported and finally slaughtered for their meat. You can see the video in our online action centre where you can also sign our letter to the Nordic Council of Ministers urging them to end the cruelty.

Please note: The video will not play automatically, so you can still take action without viewing the footage, which contains graphic images and may be distressing.

Sign our letter to the Nordic Council of Ministers and call on them to uphold Sweden and Finland's Animal Welfare Acts and the Vaxjo Declaration, which states the Council's support for the belief that animals are sentient beings with their own intrinsic value and should be respected as such. Sign now >>

A new bear at Balkasar — Chowti is rescued from bear baiting

Chowti has her wounds treated. She is blind so will need extra care © BRC

Chowti, a six year old Asiatic black bear, was brought to our newly-opened Balkasar sanctuary in Pakistan after being rescued just hours after an illegal bear baiting event. Staff from our member society the Bioresource Research Centre had been tracking Chowti and her owner for some time, so when they saw her at the event, they alerted government officials who were able to confiscate the bear. Chowti was immediately brought to the sanctuary and treated for the wounds she received during the fight, and is now being closely monitored in a special area of the sanctuary before she is ready to be released into the main enclosure.

Read the full story of Chowti's rescue >>

Help an animal this holiday season with a Really Wild Gift!

This year we've added some great new features to ourReally Wild Gifts website. You can now upload your own photo to your e-card, share the gifts you give with your social networks, and create your own Really Wild Wish List to let your friends and family know that you'd like them to help an animal instead of giving a gift this holiday season. What's more, with a donation of $100, you can upload your email list and send your customized e-card to your whole family, or all your work colleagues. Really Wild Gifts start at $20 and protect animals around the world. They're eco-friendly, there's no shipping, and you can even schedule the day your e-card is sent!

Send your holiday gift >>

Floods, volcanoes and cyclones — disaster relief update

A horse is rescued from flooding in Colombia © WSPA

Our disaster relief teams have been kept busy recently. After some of the worst flooding Colombia has ever seen, a WSPA team rescued 20 horses and five bulls from the floodwaters, gave first aid to dogs, cats and goats, and helped evacuate cattle to higher ground. In Vietnam, we supplied animal feed and veterinary equipment to affected areas after flooding. After the eruption of Mount Merapi in Indonesia, we supplied animals with food, shelter and medication. Finally, in Myanmar, the WSPA team is assessing the situation for animals after the destruction caused by Cyclone Giri.

Read more on our Disasters blog >>

Know your eggs and help hens!

Q: What's the difference between free-run, free-range and organic eggs?

If you don't know the answer, make sure you check out our Choose Cage-Free Shopping Guide . Here you can find detailed descriptions of what each egg label really means for the welfare of hens, so you can make informed decisions when grocery shopping. And while you're there, don't forget to sign the pledge to choose cage-free eggs!

See our shopping guide >>

CFIA doubles animal transportation fines

On the heels of our Curb the Cruelty report, which highlighted concerns with CFIA's enforcement of animal transport regulations, CFIA has announced that they are "cracking down on those who mistreat and improperly transport livestock by more than doubling the fines – the first increase in over 10 years."

More than 10,000 letters were sent to MPs after we released our report, requesting that Canada's animal transport regulations be updated.

Read the full story >>

Leona Lewis visits our Romanian bear sanctuary — video

Leona Lewis at the bear sanctuary

Singer and WSPA supporter Leona Lewis recently visited our Romanian bear sanctuary to see WSPA's work in action. She met bears that were rescued from lives of suffering in cramped cages as tourist attractions.

"Visiting the Romanian bear sanctuary was truly an eye-opening experience," said Lewis. "These bears have suffered horrible tragedies, but now have an amazing second chance at life in a safe and peaceful environment – all thanks to WSPA and its supporters."

Watch Leona's video >>

Current Appeal — this time it's your choice

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to our You Choose appeal. If you would still like to make your holiday gift to the animals, please visitwww.wspa.ca/choose . You can choose to give your gift to help end the cruelty of bear dancing, to protect animals from disasters, or to help end cruel intensive farming practices. You can also choose to divide your gift between two, or all programs. Be sure to make your gift before December 31st to receive your 2010 tax receipt.

Make your gift >>