A Lifelong Commitment to Ending Animal Cruelty
Blog
It all started with a single, heart-wrenching moment. Jane was watching TV when she saw a baby bear being torn from its mother’s arms. "I just cannot bear the sight of animal cruelty," Jane reflects. "It started with that advert. And I started adopting a bear."
But Jane's journey of compassion for animals runs much deeper. Raised in a home where animal welfare was a priority, Jane’s childhood companion, Judy, was "part Irish wolfhound and probably part donkey!" A childhood pet sparked a lifelong passion for animal protection, something that has only grown stronger over the years.
Now a doctor with more than four decades of experience, Jane shares her life with Bessie, a rescue dog from Romania. "Anyone looking into Bessie's eyes knows perfectly well she's got a soul. She's got sentience and a memory. And I think that's true of all animals," she says. Jane firmly believes in the deep, undeniable connection we share with animals – a bond that goes far beyond simple companionship.
Her commitment to animal rights is unwavering. "There is no animal cruelty issue that doesn't worry me," Jane says. "Bullfighting is despicable. The use of bears in [some traditional] medicine is unspeakable...
I realise now that the dolphin shows I saw as a teenager were unacceptable. This is no reasonable way to treat animals, and I think people should take action to save them.
For Jane, her values align perfectly with the work of World Animal Protection. "As well as a hatred of cruelty and ill-treatment to other species, we share compassion and a sense of urgency... because compassion can be an armchair feeling... you need drive as well. Animals are more vulnerable than human beings. They need a voice. And I see World Animal Protection as a voice for them."
At World Animal Protection, we know that every animal is unique, with feelings and the right to live a life free from suffering. Each day, we fight to stop the abuse and exploitation that so many animals face around the world. We’re able to do this thanks in part to the generosity of people like Jane, who leave a lasting legacy to ensure this fight continues. A third of our work is funded by gifts in Wills from dedicated supporters like her.
For Jane, ensuring that animal protection would be her legacy was crucial. "It's very important to me that this work does not stop when I stop. My feeling is that after I've gone, I won't be able to make monthly donations anymore. But I want the fight against animal cruelty to continue because it's a long fight. It's a worthwhile fight."
Along with her rescue-dog-loving friends – both here and in the States – Jane has left a gift to animal charities in her Will. "With World Animal Protection, they get things done. They have a good track record."
Her message to others considering leaving a legacy gift:
"Please remember the animals. They're vulnerable. They are exploited. Human beings do some really terrible things out of heartlessness. Please do what you can. You could help create a better future for them by leaving a gift in your will to World Animal Protection."
Just like Jane, you can be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. A simple gift in your will can change the future for countless animals in need. Will you join Jane in making a difference?