COVID-19, SARS, MERS, Ebola, BSE and HIV – what do all these diseases have in common? They originated from a dysfunctional relationship between humans, animals, and nature. For years, scientists all over the world have warned us that the way in which we treat animals is a serious risk factor in the outbreak of zoonotic diseases, which we know can have the potential of becoming pandemics. COVID-19 is a dangerous symptom of an unjust and cruel relationship with animals. If we don’t tackle the root causes of the problem, it is a question of when, not if, the next pandemic will arise. That is why it is imperative that governments make animal welfare a global priority.
Will you join us and call on decision-makers to ensure this pandemic is a turning point to improve our relationship with animals and nature?
We need governments and decision-makers around the world to make animal welfare a priority so that we can prevent future pandemics. The One Health High Level Expert Panel's "One Health" approach must be incorporated into policymaking to not only recognise the interconnections between humans, animals, and environmental health, but also to encompass welfare, wellbeing, and conservation aspects. These are crucial elements that must be addressed in all pandemic prevention strategies and laws.
We ask that all governments support the transition to food and agricultural systems that are more animal and environmentally friendly. They must also commit to banning high-risk practices, including the commercial wildlife trade, the dog and cat meat trade and fur farming.
Hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result of COVID 19. This is not only a wake-up call to change the system, but also an opportunity to create a world where animals, the environment and humans are treated better.