Shields, Davis, Applegate, Lutz, Krupa & More Join To Support World Animal Week 10/4-10

Actor Kellan Lutz ("Twilight"), actresses Brooke Shields, Kristin Davis, Christina Applegate, Tiffani Thiessen and supermodel Joanna Krupa ("Dancing with the Stars") are among the stars teaming up with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to raise awareness about animal welfare issues during World Animal Week from October 4 to October 10, 2009. To show their support, the stars have signed the "Animals Matter to Me" petition endorsing a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, which urges the United Nations to adopt an international agreement on the welfare of animals.

According to Executive Director of WSPA USA Cecily West, "Support from the entertainment industry is vital in helping to bring attention to animal issues on a global scale. We are thrilled that these stars aligned themselves with WSPA to ask for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. Whether providing comfort and companionship in our homes or supplying crucial labor to support families in need, animals matter to each one of us. Our celebrity supporters understand this important connection between animals and people."

WSPA is asking the public to join these celebrities and help achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer, and that people have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. People can sign the "Animals Matter to Me" petition at www.animalsmatterusa.org.

Kicking off on October 4, World Animal Week is a yearly reminder to make the world a safer, more compassionate place for all animals. People are urged to take action by fundraising for animal welfare, making a donation, volunteering their time or simply giving their pets some extra attention.
WSPA has built the world's largest alliance -over 1,000 animal welfare groups in 150 countries -dedicated to alleviating animal suffering. Through its pioneering programs and unique partnerships, WSPA addresses animal welfare concerns on a truly unprecedented global scale. WSPA and its partners support a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. If adopted, it will be the first international agreement recognizing that animals are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and that their welfare should be respected. More at www.wspa-usa.org.