Animal Anti-Cruelty, Welfare and Wellbeing operates as one of our core pillars and is deeply connected to the principes of the Stewardship of Natural Resources and the Environment and Inner- Development/Inner-Leadership and Self-Knowledge pillars.  We acknowledge the sacredness of all life forms and affirm the vital importance of recognising that all that lives has intrinsic value independent of its usefulness to humans.

 

“We believe that human beings are not separate from nature and need to recognise the intrinsic rights of nature and animals so that human beings can coexist harmoniously within nature and not see nature as a commodity to be exploited.” – The Sophia Philanthropic Foundation Ethos.

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Guiding Principles
 

• We support organisations that are transparent, accountable, reflect our culture and values and make ethical decisions in the best interests of animals and ecosystems (e.g. Watershed Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Fund).
   

• We exclude any programme involving any form of animal cruelty, hunting or trophy hunting.
   

• We will not support organisations, people and government policies that wish to exploit/own/use animals for profit in the name of sustainable use (e.g. Canine Security Companies, breeders, canned lion hunting etc).
   

• We prefer Conservation NGOs over state-led programmes, unless full alignment with our Vision, Mission and Ethos is demonstrated.
   

• We recognise animals as sentient beings with the capacity to feel emotions like fear, pain and joy and with their own intrinsic value and inherent rights, such as the right to daily food, fresh water and a safe shelter.
   

• We are pro-quality of life and regard every animal life as sacred – thus supporting euthanasia only in cases where recovery is impossible and ongoing suffering inevitable.
   

• We believe a significant amount of animal cruelty is a direct result of ignorance and that working with communities in a way that fosters respect, trust and kindness is key to improving animal welfare and wellbeing in a sustainable and humane way.
   

• We support efforts to strengthen animal protection laws, including mandatory sterilisation, anti-chaining laws, stricter penalties for abuse as well as protection against trafficking, over-breeding, puppy mills, neglect and organised cruelty such as gang related initiation practices and dog fighting.
   

• We support the development of dedicated, well-trained animal law enforcement units to ensure safe confiscation and intervention as well as protection for both animals and welfare workers/NGOs in high-risk areas.
   

• We support increased recognition of registered welfare organisations in legal and enforcement processes.

• We support efforts to reform animal-exclusive residential policies and regulations which hinder intervention by welfare organisations in certain jurisdictions.
   

• We support efforts to consciously reform animal-exclusion policies and regulations including no-pet policies with a focus on what is in the best interest of the animal’s wellbeing and our humanity.

“We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.” –  Albert Schweitzer  

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