This month we were shocked to hear of a whaling proposal that could put 13,000 whales at risk over the next ten years — read on to see how you can help us fight this brutal industry. We're also bringing you the latest on our disaster relief work in Mongolia, plus some new photos of Star, a bear we rescued from the cruel blood sport of bear baiting. Also, as you're making plans for camping and cottage trips, make sure you're prepared for any animal encounters!

New proposal could harpoon whaling ban

	The size of whales, with the movement of the sea, means that whaling can never be humane. © Bryant Austin www.studiocosmos.com

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has presented a proposal that would effectively end the commercial whaling ban that has been in place for 24 years. The so-called "compromise deal" would be a death warrant for nearly 1,400 whales next year, and 13,000 whales over the next ten years.

Iceland, Norway and Japan are already flouting the whaling ban. This new proposal would award them commerical whaling quotas, legitimizing these cruel hunts, and risking the further expansion of this outdated, brutal and increasingly unwanted industry. WSPA will be working hard to persuade governments to say no to the deal, which will be voted on at the IWC's annual meeting in June. Read more >>

Disaster update: Harsh winter hits Mongolia's animals

	Treating animals at risk from the extreme cold weather in Mongolia © WSPA

WSPA has provided urgent assistance in Mongolia after extreme weather conditions have claimed the lives of 3.4 million domestic animals and threatened millions more. Coming after severe summer droughts, the "dzud" (a severe winter with high snowfalls and temperatures as low as -47C) has resulted in a deadly combination of malnutrition and hypothermia. Many families have lost at least 50-60 per cent of their herds, and as they rely completely on animals such as cows, sheep, yaks and goats for their livelihoods, this has had a devastating impact.

WSPA has provided funding for 130 tons of concentrated fodder and 1.3 tons of milk powder to be distributed to over 2,500 herder households to feed their animals. Working with our member society the Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal, we are continuing our work in the area to save as many animals as possible.
Visit our Animals in Disasters blog for the latest on our disaster relief work >>

If you go down to the woods today... read this first!

As the warmer weather inspires plans for camping trips and cottage visits, it's wise to learn how to interact with the animals who will be sharing the countryside with you. If you're visiting an area where bears may be present, here are some great resources to help turn a bear encounter into an exciting and trip-enhancing experience rather than a stressful situation.

Download our free Bear Safe Guide, a handy printout with tips on how to travel safely in bear country and keep your campsite or cottage bear-proof.

Learn how to communicate with bears — read this great guide to speaking Bear as a Second Language, from the Get Bear Smart Society (GBS), a WSPA member society that works to help people and bears coexist peacefully.

Make a lasting difference — leave a legacy for animals

	© Carlos Quesada

May is legacy giving month in Canada. Legacy gifts are particularly important to WSPA because they guarantee long-term funding for our programs, enabling us to commit to programs that will ultimately make a lasting difference in the lives of animals.

You can make a legacy gift by: leaving WSPA a gift in your will (either a fixed amount or a percentage of your estate); naming WSPA as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or pension plan or of your life insurance policy; or asking your financial advisor to include charitable giving in your long-term financial plan. For more information, contact Holly Hewitt at 416-369-0044 ext.119, or visit www.wspa.ca/legacy.

The future looks bright for rescued bear Star — new photos

You may remember reading about the rescue of Star in our recent bear baiting appeal. Star's owner had forced him to fight against dogs for sport, until he was too weak to even stand on his hind legs. Now he is recovering under the dedicated care of sanctuary staff. Star's life from now on will be free from pain and suffering — a far cry from the torture he used to endure every day as a baited bear. Here are some new pictures of Star enjoying a lazy day by the pool.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to our appeal to rescue the bears still trapped in this cruel blood sport. We're building a new sanctuary in Pakistan to home these bears. Your donations will be used to transport the bears to the new sanctuary and give them all the veterinary treatment and care they need to begin new lives. Watch our video to learn more.

If you would still like to contribute to this appeal, visit www.wspa.ca/rescuebears.

Help ban fur farming in Sweden

85 per cent of animals used for global fur production are commercially farmed. Small wire cages keep production costs low and profits at a maximum, while the animals cannot behave naturally — they aren't able to run or burrow, and often will not even see daylight. When they are killed, they face inhumane slaughter methods designed to preserve the pelt.

Some European countries, including the UK, have already banned the production of fur. Now Animal Rights Sweden is campaigning for a ban on fur farming in Sweden, where around 1.5 million minks and 2,000 chinchillas are bred and killed for their fur every year. Their goal is to collect 100,000 signatures before the end of May 2010, in time for the 2010 national elections.

World Society for the Protection of Animals
90 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 2Y3

Call us: 1-800-363-9772
Visit us online at www.wspa.ca
Make a donation