WAN has long been supporting the work by the African Union Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU IBAR)’s work in developing a continent-wide animal welfare strategy, and we’re pleased to announce that in January this strategy was formally endorsed by African heads of state. This is a huge step for animals, as Africa was the last continent without a formalized Regional Animal Welfare Strategy. Even better, the mission of Africa’s strategy envisions an “an Africa where animals are treated as sentient beings.”
WAN will now officially serve as a member of the Africa Platform for Animal Welfare, the body set up to facilitate implementation of the strategy.
The endorsement of this resolution by heads of state is the final step in the process, and now work on implementation can begin in earnest. For more on the Platform and the Strategy, see our blog from August, when AU IBAR finalized the Platform and the Strategy.
Jessica is the Executive Director at World Animal Net. Having received a B.S. in biology with minors in chemistry and anthropology from the University of New Mexico, she combines a scientific background with a passion for animal protection. She completed her M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and internships with Humane Society International, Animal Protection of New Mexico, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society before arriving at World Animal Net. In her free time, she volunteers with horse and wildlife rescues.