Wildlife plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the balance of nature. Yet today, countless species are facing increasing threats caused by habitat destruction, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and the exploitation of animals for entertainment and tourism.

For this reason, the protection of wildlife is not only an environmental priority but also a responsibility toward a natural heritage that belongs to all humanity.

Combating the exploitation of wildlife

Across many parts of the world, wild animals continue to be exploited for profit. From wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting to the use of animals in tourist attractions, these practices cause immense suffering and contribute to the decline of already vulnerable species.

OIPA ETS is actively engaged in international campaigns aimed at combating the exploitation of wildlife and promoting respect for animals in their natural habitats.

Our initiatives focus on several key areas, including:

• opposing the use of wild animals in tourism and entertainment
• raising awareness about wildlife trafficking and illegal trade
• advocating against hunting practices that threaten endangered species
• supporting actions that prevent poaching and protect wildlife populations.

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with local organizations, OIPA works to encourage more responsible policies and practices that prioritize the protection of animals and ecosystems.

A global network working for wildlife protection

Through its international network, OIPA collaborates with Member Leagues and representatives around the world to promote concrete initiatives for wildlife protection.

Many of these efforts take place in regions where biodiversity is exceptionally rich but also highly threatened. In Africa, several projects support conservation activities and the protection of endangered species, while in Asia OIPA and its partners work to raise awareness and address practices that exploit wild animals.

Protecting wildlife for future generations

Protecting wildlife requires long-term commitment, international cooperation, and increased public awareness.

Governments, organizations, and citizens all have a role to play in ensuring that animals can live in their natural environments free from exploitation and harm.

On World Wildlife Day, OIPA reaffirms its commitment to defending wildlife around the globe and working alongside its international network to promote a future in which animals are respected, protected, and allowed to thrive in the wild.

L'articolo World Wildlife Day: Protecting Wildlife Means Protecting Our Planet proviene da OIPA.

Prevention is the first concrete step in breaking the cycle of unwanted litters, abandonment, and overcrowding in shelters. Acting before the problem escalates means reducing animal suffering and promoting a more responsible and conscious approach to companion animal care.

OIPA ETS strongly supports the importance of spaying and neutering as part of a broader strategy based on prevention, mandatory identification, and responsible ownership.

As stated by Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA International: “Sterilisation is a fundamental tool to prevent stray populations and reduce animal suffering. It is a responsible choice that protects not only the individual animal, but the entire community.”

OIPA’s Commitment in Italy and Worldwide

OIPA promotes and supports sterilisation programmes both in Italy and internationally, working alongside veterinarians, volunteers, and local partners to implement ethical, sustainable, and long-term interventions.

Among its recent initiatives is a programme carried out in Cameroon, aimed at preventing the uncontrolled growth of dog and cat populations in areas where access to veterinary services is limited. Projects such as this demonstrate that prevention is the most effective and structural solution to addressing stray animal issues.

Through these interventions, OIPA works to build lasting solutions by addressing the root causes of stray animal populations and promoting a culture of responsibility.

What You Can Do ?

World Spay Day is also an opportunity to remember that everyone can actively contribute to prevention.

Five concrete actions you can take today:

• Spay or neuter your pet
• Support local prevention programmes
• Raise awareness
• Participate in community initiatives
• Make a donation to support the sterilisation programmes of OIPA  in Italy and around the world.

When making your donation, you can specify “sterilisation” in the payment reference to ensure your contribution supports this specific area of intervention.

L'articolo World Spay Day: Sterilisation as a Key Tool for Animal Welfare and the Prevention of Stray Populations proviene da OIPA.

In this context, a new European Citizens’ Initiative calls for a harmonised legal framework to ensure ethical and sustainable management of stray animals, overcoming the current fragmentation among Member States and promoting minimum common standards.

OIPA ETS strongly supports this initiative and reiterates the urgent need for structured action at the European level.

“Stray animal populations cannot be addressed through emergency measures or temporary solutions,” states Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA International. “We need coordinated policies based on prevention, mandatory identification, sterilisation programmes, and responsible ownership. Only in this way can we break the cycle of abandonment and suffering.”

The proposed measures include structured sterilisation and vaccination programmes, compulsory microchipping and interoperable registries, stricter controls on breeding and trade, public awareness campaigns against abandonment, and greater support for local authorities and shelters.

According to OIPA, the absence of common minimum standards facilitates cross-border illegal trade and makes it more difficult to control uncontrolled reproduction. The issue also falls within the broader review of EU animal welfare legislation currently under discussion at the European Commission.

“Animals are not objects and must not be treated as commodities,” adds Pradella. “A coordinated European approach is essential to ensure uniform protection and to fully recognise animals as sentient beings.”

Alongside its institutional advocacy, OIPA works daily to combat stray animal populations through prevention programmes, sterilisation initiatives, rescue operations, veterinary assistance, enforcement activities carried out by its volunteer guards, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing abandonment.

What You Can Do ?

You can actively contribute to the fight against stray animal suffering by supporting the work of OIPA making a donation.

By specifying “stray animals” in the payment reference, you ensure that your contribution is allocated directly to this area of intervention. Your donation will support sterilisation programmes, veterinary care, rescue operations, prevention initiatives, and field activities aimed at reducing suffering and promoting long-term solutions for stray animals.

Through your support, OIPA can continue its work on the ground and provide concrete assistance where it is most urgently needed.

L'articolo A European Commitment to End Stray Animal Suffering proviene da OIPA.

Mexico has long been one of the countries with the highest number of dolphins kept in captivity, primarily in marine parks and tourist facilities. In recent years, however, growing public concern and political debate have led to regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening animal welfare standards and reducing the exploitation of marine mammals for entertainment.

According to recent updates, discussions are underway regarding the transfer of dolphins from existing facilities to alternative environments, including the possibility of establishing or using coastal sanctuaries designed to provide more natural living conditions. While details on timelines and logistical arrangements remain under evaluation, the reported movement signals a shift in how marine mammals are managed within the country.

The issue of dolphins in captivity remains highly debated worldwide. Scientific research has long highlighted the complex social structures, cognitive capacities and spatial needs of cetaceans, raising concerns about confinement in artificial environments. Several countries have already adopted restrictions or bans on breeding, performances or new captivity permits, reflecting a broader global reassessment of the ethics of marine mammal entertainment.

OIPA ETS has long been active on this front through its Aquarius and Dolphinariums campaigns, which focus on the protection of aquatic animals and the progressive phase-out of captivity practices affecting dolphins, sea lions and other species. Through these initiatives, OIPA promotes science-based welfare standards, public awareness, and policy reform aimed at ending the exploitation of cetaceans for commercial entertainment.

As part of its advocacy, OIPA encourages citizens to take concrete action:

• Do not visit aquariums or dolphinariums, and avoid bringing children to facilities where marine mammals are kept for shows. Such venues confine highly intelligent animals to artificial spaces that do not meet their natural needs and may cause chronic stress and suffering.
• Choose cruelty-free and educational alternatives to learn about marine life. Documentaries, books and scientific publications offer valuable insights without supporting captivity. Observing marine ecosystems responsibly in the wild, when possible, also allows people to appreciate sea life in its natural environment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Those who wish to support OIPA’s advocacy work against the exploitation of dolphins in aquariums and dolphinariums can contribute by making a donation to OIPA International and indicating the reference “Donation OIPA – Stop Dolphin Captivity”,  specifying the amount.

L'articolo Towards the End of Dolphin Shows? Mexico Approaches a 2026 Legislative Turning Point proviene da OIPA.

In recent weeks, several Members of the Italian Parliament have presented proposals aimed at limiting or fully prohibiting the slaughter of horses for meat consumption. The initiatives seek to recognize equines as companion animals rather than livestock, introducing stricter safeguards and potentially prohibiting breeding for slaughter.

The renewed attention to this issue follows years of advocacy by animal protection organizations and growing public concern over the treatment of horses within the food production system. Legislative proposals under discussion include measures such as mandatory registration in veterinary databases, strengthened traceability requirements, and enhanced penalties related to illegal slaughter or improper transport.

Importantly, the parliamentary debate reflects a broader social shift. In Italy, consumption of horse meat has steadily declined over recent years, mirroring changing consumer habits and increasing awareness of animal welfare. More citizens are reducing overall meat consumption, and horse meat in particular is becoming less central in dietary patterns. Horses are increasingly perceived as companion, sport, and therapy animals, rather than as livestock intended for slaughter.

Supporters of reform argue that this transformation in public perception should be reflected in law. Recognizing horses as animals deserving enhanced legal protection would represent a significant step forward in aligning legislation with contemporary ethical standards and scientific recognition of animals as sentient beings.

The discussion remains ongoing, and its outcome will depend on parliamentary negotiations in the coming months. However, the fact that the issue has reached formal legislative debate marks a significant development in the long-standing effort to strengthen equine protection in Italy.

OIPA will continue to monitor the legislative process closely and reiterates its commitment to promoting higher welfare standards, clearer legal definitions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation and suffering.

L'articolo Italy: Parliamentary Debate on Horse Slaughter Marks a Turning Point for Equine Protection proviene da OIPA.

Under the European Citizens’ Initiative framework, the Commission is required to examine the proposal and outline the measures it intends to take. In its preliminary response, the Commission indicated that it is assessing different policy scenarios, ranging from a full phase-out of fur farming after a transitional period to alternative regulatory options. A final position is expected by March 2026.

As part of the evaluation process, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked to provide a scientific opinion on the welfare of animals farmed for fur, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas. The assessment examined whether current farming systems are capable of meeting the behavioural and physiological needs of these species. The scientific findings now form part of the broader impact analysis that will inform the Commission’s decision.

The debate takes place within a changing European landscape. Several Member States have already introduced national bans or restrictions on fur farming, reflecting a broader shift in public opinion and political priorities. Civil society organisations across Europe have highlighted that an EU-wide approach would ensure harmonised standards, prevent internal market distortions and respond coherently to citizens’ demands.

OIPA ETS  has supported the Fur Free Europe initiative since its launch, advocating for legislation that aligns ethical responsibility, scientific evidence and evolving societal expectations. The forthcoming decision will not only affect the future of fur farming in Europe, but will also serve as an important test of how European institutions respond to large-scale democratic mobilisation.

OIPA will continue to monitor institutional developments and provide updates as the Commission prepares its final determination.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ?

The fur market in Europe is in significant decline, yet thousands of animals continue to suffer every year in fur farms. OIPA is actively engaged at national and EU level to advocate for a definitive ban on fur farming and the marketing of fur products, through policy work, institutional dialogue, and public awareness activities.

You can support this work by making a donation to OIPA, indicating as reference:

“OIPA Donation – Fur Free”.

Every contribution makes a difference.

L'articolo Fur Free Europe: A Crucial Moment for the Future of Fur Farming in the EU proviene da OIPA.

The law introduced criminal consequences and financial penalties, establishing a clear national stance against the commercial use of dogs in competitive racing. Its adoption signalled a decisive break from practices that had been socially tolerated for years and marked a shift toward recognising the intrinsic value and protection of companion animals.

The prohibition of dog racing was not only a legal intervention but also a cultural turning point. By explicitly condemning a form of organised abuse, the Argentine legal system reinforced the principle that animals must not be subjected to suffering for entertainment or economic gain. The reform strengthened the capacity of authorities to investigate complaints, apply sanctions and prevent new forms of exploitation.

Over the past decade, broader social changes have accompanied this legislative development. The presence of companion animals in Argentine households has steadily increased. Recent data indicate that four out of five Argentinians now live with a pet, and many consider dogs and cats to be full members of their families. This transformation has influenced consumer habits, public expectations and demands for more inclusive policies.

Urban life has gradually adapted to this shift. In Buenos Aires, the acceptance of pets in certain public spaces, such as outdoor areas of cafés and restaurants, reflects an evolving understanding of shared environments.

Transport policies have also evolved. Companion animals are permitted on the Buenos Aires underground system under regulated conditions, and more recently national rules have authorised their presence on long-distance transport services. These changes have reshaped travel planning and encouraged the tourism and hospitality sectors to adapt to households that include pets.

A decade after its adoption, Law 27.330 has had tangible effects. It curtailed a practice associated with systematic mistreatment, reinforced legal accountability and contributed to raising public awareness of animal welfare standards. More broadly, it helped embed the idea that animals form part of the social fabric and deserve protection within both environmental and ethical frameworks.

For OIPA , Argentina’s experience illustrates how legislation can act as a catalyst for deeper societal transformation. Ending a harmful practice was an essential first step; sustaining progress now depends on effective enforcement, continued education and the development of policies that promote responsible guardianship and respectful coexistence.

The tenth anniversary of the ban on dog racing is not only a date of commemoration but an opportunity to reflect on how legal reform, when combined with cultural change, can redefine the way a society understands and protects its animals.

L'articolo Ten Years After the Ban on Dog Racing: Argentina’s Evolving Relationship with Companion Animals proviene da OIPA.

Across France, a growing number of animal protection organisations and environmental groups are calling for a fundamental review of how the red fox is classified under national wildlife policy. At the centre of the debate is the species’ current designation as a “pest” — a label that authorises widespread culling and has long shaped wildlife management practices.

In early 2026, NGOs intensified their efforts to challenge this classification, arguing that it no longer reflects ecological reality. According to conservation experts, the red fox plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance, particularly by regulating populations of rodents and other small mammals. These natural processes contribute to biodiversity stability and can help limit the spread of disease and agricultural damage.

Despite this, foxes remain subject to intensive hunting practices rooted in historical perceptions rather than contemporary scientific evidence. Critics of the current system point out that lethal control is often applied broadly, without clear justification or measurable ecological benefit. In many cases, they argue, such measures fail to address the root causes of human–wildlife conflicts.

The mobilisation in France reflects a wider shift in environmental thinking, where wildlife governance is increasingly expected to be grounded in scientific research, ethical responsibility, and long-term ecosystem health. Moving away from blanket culling policies is seen as a necessary step toward more effective and humane conservation strategies.

Within this context, OIPA supports the call to reassess the red fox’s legal status, emphasising the importance of wildlife policies based on evidence rather than outdated classifications. Recognising the ecological role of species like the red fox is essential to building more balanced and forward-looking approaches to biodiversity protection.

As discussions continue, the French case highlights a broader European conversation about how societies coexist with wildlife. Updating legal frameworks to reflect scientific understanding could mark a significant step toward more responsible and compassionate wildlife management.

L'articolo Challenging outdated views of wildlife to protect Red Foxes proviene da OIPA.

OIPA welcomes the recent decision by the European Union to revise its rules on detergent and cleaning product testing, marking a significant step toward reducing the use of animals in regulatory safety assessments.

At the beginning of 2026, the EU approved changes to its framework governing detergents and everyday cleaning products, introducing a clear transition away from animal-based testing. Under the revised rules, animal testing will be progressively phased out, with a complete ban scheduled for mid-2029.

According to the new approach, safety assessments for these products will rely exclusively on scientifically validated methods that do not involve animals, while continuing to ensure a high level of protection for both human health and the environment.

This regulatory update reflects a broader evolution in EU chemical policy. Scientific and technological advances have made it possible to evaluate risks through alternative techniques, such as laboratory-based models and predictive tools, reducing reliance on practices that cause animal suffering.

The decision also highlights a growing recognition that ethical responsibility and scientific reliability can advance together. Updating regulatory systems in line with current knowledge allows authorities to respond to societal expectations without compromising safety standards.

For animal protection organisations, this agreement represents tangible progress. It confirms the EU’s willingness to modernise its legislation and move away from testing practices that are increasingly considered outdated.

As the transition period begins, continued investment in research and validation of non-animal methods will remain crucial. Their effective implementation will help determine whether similar approaches can be extended to other areas of product and chemical safety in the future.

L'articolo EU revises Safety Testing Rules for Detergents, phasing out Animal Tests proviene da OIPA.

BAN LIVE EXPORTS: INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS DAY

Millions of sheep, calves, pigs, cows and other animals around the world still being subjected to this cruel trade, packed into overcrowded trucks and ships, becoming increasingly exhausted, dehydrated and stressed, and many dying as a result of the cruelty. Despite of that, the EU Commission hasn’t introduced opportunity to introduce a ban and has announce just weak amendments to transport regulations in its review of animal welfare legislation. To raise awareness, the OIPA’s campaign “Ban Live Exports: International Awareness Day “(14 June) shared videos and social media posts and called on supporters to share them with the hashtag #BanLiveExports.

 

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STAND FOR THE VOICELESS

On July, 30 2024, the Turkish Parliament (Turkish Grand National Assembly) has approved the new law – renamed as “Massacre Law” – aimed at removing millions of stray dogs and cats from Turkey’s streets. Stray animals will be collected from the streets ending up in neglected and overcrowded municipal shelters for being euthanized if they are not adopted. The government estimates that around 4 million stray dogs roam in Turkey but there are not enough places in the shelters and euthanasia and imprisonment are not the solution for handling properly dog and cat population. OIPA sent to the Turkish Government a protest email whereby condemns the approval of this terrific law and invited people to do the same to create a mailbombing. In addition, OIPA, with its campaign “Stand for voiceless”, took part in June the protest in Ankara.

 

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OTHER CAMPAIGNS

OIPA joined and supported other international campaigns in 2024, some of which are still running:

• “Stop the comeback of greyhound racing in Vietnam” is the campaign promoted by OIPA’s member league GREY2K USA whose purpose is to prevent the reintroduction of greyhound racing, a cruel sport that could be reintroduced in Vietnam.

• “Stop cruelty toward liminal animals” is intended to improve lives of all those animals, wild and not domestic, who live freely with us in urban areas, like pigeons, rats, hedgehogs, rabbits and hares, swans, sparrows and squirrels. The first world day for the defence of liminal animals was created by the French association PAZ – Paris Animaux Zoopolis to which OIPA gave its support.

• Flash flooding in Galati, emergency response for affected animals has originated from the torrential rains and flash floods in Central and Eastern Europe which have caused 5,000 households. Close to OIPA’s member association in Romania, Sava’s Safe Haven, countless people and animals have been badly affected. With the assistance of Romanian Police, Sava’s team was able to reach some villages and provide them essential supplies, such as food and medicines.

• “Stop of illegal puppy trade in Europe” is a campaign that aims to shed light on the pervasive issue of illegal puppy trafficking and advocate for stricter regulations to protect animals and consumers. OIPA and PETA Germany have joined forces for PETA’s 2024/25 puppy trade campaign to combat the illegal pet trade across s Europe.

• “Vote for Animals” is a campaign launched by Eurogroup for Animals and supported by over 50 international organizations – OIPA included – aims to place animal welfare at the core of the upcoming EU Elections.

EMERGENCY UKRAINE

OIPA International has been providing food, veterinary assistance and general supplies to war-affected animals in Ukraine since 2022. Only in 2024, nearly 1.5 tons of dry and wet food for cats and dogs, but also probiotics, deworming tablets, parasite treatments were delivered by OIPA to needy pets of vulnerable families. Only in November, over 500 kg of pet food has been delivered to Mykolaiv, Vilhnovisk and Nykopol. Many of the actions accomplished were possible thanks to intensive collaboration with Ukrainian associations that are part of the OIPA network.

 

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STERILIZATION CAMPAIGN IN BRANISTEA

Sava’s Safe Haven – OIPA’s member association in Romania – and OIPA International on April 13-14 proposed a two-day dog sterilization campaign in Branistea. Sava’s used a mobile vet clinic to go to rural area where a first group of strays and pet dogs from vulnerable families were spayed and neutered for free. Hundred and nine animals (109 dogs: 77 females and 32 males) were sterilized. The same day those patients were dewormed, homeless dogs got an ear tag and families in need received pet food, leashed and harnesses.

 

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RESCUE MISSION TO SAVE 30 DOGS FROM WAR-TORN LEBANON

Lebanon, already grappling with economic turmoil and political instability, in 2024 faced a growing humanitarian crisis that endangered innocent animals, including dogs, risk being caught in the crossfire, suffering from neglect and abuse. In light of the threat of war, OIPA International has received a request by “Back To Life Dog Rescue” for assistance in evacuating 30 of the most vulnerable dogs located in Bzebdine, Hemlaya, and Batroun to Italy. Once necessary paperwork and veterinary procedures would be completed, the dogs would be transported to the airport for their cargo flight to Paris. The first step was done in the last October when, through generous donations, 14 dogs embarked on a new life of freedom. Moreover, OIPA delivered in Lebanon a vital 600kg of dry food: 30 bags, each weighing 20kg, were distributed by the partner Back2life Dog Rescue at the Shouf Dog Shelter. OIPA’s hope is that all the rescued dogs find loving homes soon.

 

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MAKE THE DIFFERENT CHANGE THE TREND

In many European countries, due to the lack of sterilisation, cats proliferate and unwanted kittens are abandoned so that stray cats are forced to spend their lives in deplorable conditions. Many countries, consider street cats a problem to be eradicated, especially before the summer, because according to their opinion “stray animals would scare tourists away”. With the campaign “Make the difference, change the trend. Help stray cats” OIPA is aimed to control the cats’ number into world tourist sites by promoting the sterilization and raising awareness about animals’ wellness into local tourist office, tourist associations e and hotels. A great contribution can be made by tourists themselves who can demand greater respect from hotel facilities. OIPA encouraged people who travel to choose responsible destinations and accommodations, give them a positive or negative review and, if they discover scenes of animals in danger, it would be better notify the authorities.

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STOP THE DONKEY SKIN TRADE IN CAMEROON

From August to September 2023, OIPA Cameroon carried out an awareness campaign on donkey skin trade and the impact on livelihood in BOGO municipality in the Far North Region Cameroon with financial support from OIPA International. The overall goal of the campaign was to disrupt cross-border movement and the donkeys hide trade in the region. Our organization aspires to raise $1000 to empower 30 community members and local administration within Zamia and Tchabawol communities with knowledge and skills about the donkey skin trade and its implication on communities. The project will engage and empower law enforcement officers living with communities.

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A THREE-MONTH INITIATIVE FOR ANIMALS IN KURDISTAN

From October 1st to December 31st, 2024, thanks to cooperation of OIPA and the excellent fieldwork of member association KOARP – Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection – a comprehensive animal welfare project was implemented in Erbil Province, Kurdistan. The project focused on raising awareness about animal welfare and pet ownership among children. The team conduced presentations at two centers: Zewa Center for Children’s Rights Protection, which attended by 170 children, and Harman Center for IDP/Khanki, that involved more than 525 children. The project also included a mobile veterinary clinic that provided essential care to stray animals. Over three months, the clinic treated 157 stray dogs, 72 street cats, and 29 different kinds of birds.

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L'articolo Together we did great things, OIPA’s main achievements in 2024 proviene da OIPA.