FOUR PAWS UK TURNS 20!
A big thank you to everyone who made the last 20 years possible
Twenty years ago, FOUR PAWS UK was set up, and work started at a local level to drive forward lasting change for animals in the UK.
As an organisation founded nearly 40 years ago in Vienna with a primary focus on ending fur farming in Europe, this plight has been at the heart of so much of the work by the team in the UK over the last two decades. Most recently, FOUR PAWS UK has been a prominent voice within the Fur Free Britain coalition which has been united in driving political change two decades after the UK banned fur farming. Each and every step of this journey has been backed by our loyal animal-loving supporters, and we are so grateful.
Now, two decades later, the team is reflecting on all the achievements. From being instrumental in driving forward legislation banning the illegal importation of puppies and kittens, to handing in signatures from British supporters in favour of banning the import and sale of fur to Downing Street and rallying supporters to reject local planning applications that would expand factory farming, it’s been a busy 20 years and it’s just the start!
Here are just a few of the animal welfare wins we’ve achieved together!
Cracking down on puppy smuggling
FOUR PAWS UK played a key role in campaigning for the landmark Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act, which bans the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, as well as heavily pregnant or mutilated animals - closing loopholes in the cruel cross-border puppy trade.
Emergency rescue mission in Argentina
In one of its most complex operations, FOUR PAWS deployed expert teams to rescue and provide urgent veterinary care to over 60 big cats and bears at a former zoo in Argentina, marking a major step toward better long-term protection and ending private big cat exploitation.
Stopping factory farming expansion
FOUR PAWS UK supporters successfully opposed a controversial “mega farm” proposal, preventing the development of intensive farming systems and protecting thousands of animals from poor welfare conditions.
Persuading global fashion to go fur-free
After sustained campaigning alongside the Fur Free Alliance, FOUR PAWS UK helped secure a major win as Max Mara adopted a fur-free policy - helping move the fashion industry further away from animal cruelty.
Ending live animal exports for slaughter
Following years of advocacy, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act became law in 2024, banning the export of live animals for slaughter and sparing countless animals from long, distressing journeys overseas.
Tackling the dog and cat meat trade
FOUR PAWS UK continues to campaign globally for stronger protections against the dog and cat meat trade, raising awareness and urging governments, including the UK, to help safeguard millions of animals from exploitation. Recently, as part of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition, we welcomed a major step forward as Indonesia’s House of Representatives approved the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill which paves the way for a potential ban on the dog and cat meat trade.
Responding to crises in Ukraine
FOUR PAWS delivered emergency relief to animals impacted by the war in Ukraine, providing vital aid, rescue support, and ongoing care for pets and wildlife caught in conflict zones. FOUR PAWS UK supporters contributed over a half a million pounds to emergency relief.
Recognising animals as sentient beings
After years of campaigning, FOUR PAWS UK helped secure the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, ensuring animals are legally recognised as sentient beings and their welfare must be considered in UK policy making.
FOUR PAWS UK has consistently been at the forefront of championing better welfare for companion, farmed and wild animals. The team will continue to protest outside of stores using animal-derived materials, write to brands to pledge their promise to wear it kind and also raise awareness of cruel keeping conditions around the globe. The past two decades have seen huge strides made in tackling cruel keeping of bears and big cats and FOUR PAWS UK supporters have been there through it all. From donating to rescues to signing global petitions, FOUR PAWS UK has consistently been contributing to improving animal welfare, worldwide.
We could not have achieved any of the achievements without you and look forward to continuing our fight and improving animal welfare, worldwide together.
