Animals matter to Simon Cowell

Animals matter to Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell has pledged support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its campaign to get international recognition of animal welfare.

WSPA is hoping more people will follow Simon’s lead and start telling governments why animals matter to them.

Simon – who needs no introduction, since he achieved world domination with X Factor and the Idol and Got Talent franchises – has turned his attention back to his lifelong love of animals and has chosen to lend his considerable weight to the campaign.

Simon explains: "The World Society for the Protection of Animals struck a chord with me, as it’s a global charity that recognises the needs of animals around the world. When I was growing up, we had pets, and I was taught early on that you have to respect animals. I don’t have pets now, simply because I travel too much to take on the responsibility. But owning pets has had an immensely positive impact on my life and I think animals deserve our protection."

The media mogul recently pledged his support for the charity's Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare campaign and is now asking the public to do the same.

Simon adds: "Right now, there are no international laws to protect animals and the World Society for the Protection of Animals is working to change that. They are calling on governments across the world to embrace a common agreement called the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. This would recognise that animals can suffer and feel pain and need proper protection.”

Finding time in his hectic filming schedule during the last couple of weeks of the X Factor, Simon sat down and told WSPA why animals matter to him, in a new campaign video launched today, which you can see online at www.wspa.org.nz

Bridget Vercoe, WSPA NZ’s Programmes Manager said: “WSPA is delighted to have Simon Cowell’s support for this important campaign – you can see how passionate he is about animals and animal welfare when you watch his video. He will inspire a whole new audience to think about how animals are treated around the world and that is invaluable.”

Simon is keen for other people to follow his lead and sign up to the campaign: “All you have to do is add your name to the Declaration – I’m encouraging people to sign it and send it to a friend as well.

“The Universal Declaration will mean so much; it would help governments appreciate the important role that animals play in our lives and in the environment we live in, and so inspire better legislation to protect animals around the world. So please, go to www.animalsmatter.org and add your own message of support today."

The Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare campaign has a diverse range of high profile supporters such as Leona Lewis, Dominic Brunt, Mark Charnock, Miranda Richardson, Kristin Davis and Christina Applegate.

To view an image that accompanies this release please visit:
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ENDS

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