14 years of advocacy: Beth on progress and purpose

This year marks World Animal Protection’s 75th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting the incredible people who make this work possible. Beth, our Communications Director, has been a passionate advocate for animals for 14 of those years.

We sat down with her to reflect on some of her most memorable moments, the campaigns that have left a lasting impact and her hopes for the future of animal protection in Canada.

What inspired you to join World Animal Protection and what has kept you motivated to keep working for animals for 10+ years?

Beth: I was inspired to join to help animals and spend my career alongside like-minded people. What keeps me motivated is how our supporters cheer us on, encouraging partnerships that push for innovation. From partners that recycle discarded fishing nets into carpet tiles to farmers that put animal welfare first, our network for animals keeps expanding and that is so exciting!  

What’s one campaign or moment you’ll never forget?

Beth: I’ve been very lucky to visit some of our projects (with a camera) to bring back incredible stories of recovery that our supporters made possible.

I visited elephants in Thailand that had been used for tourist rides that were now in an animal-friendly venue. I got to see a new arrival be welcomed in by the older elephants. She had spent her life in chains, so they were showing her where to find food, how to roam and make mud for baths. The resilience and grace of those elephants stays with me. 

What do you think is our biggest win for animals over the years?

Beth: Our supporters have made so many wins for animals possible. I was most proud when we worked with the world's biggest travel companies, including many Canadian airlines, to remove harmful wildlife activities from their offerings. It shows a long-term change in compassionate traveller behaviour.

What advice would you give to someone new to animal advocacy and protection?

Beth: We choose this work because of our connection to animals, but to make change, you have to connect with people too. Most folks don't want to harm animals and that's the perspective I take when starting any conversation. We can achieve much more, much faster, when we work together.

Photo: World Animal Protection / Rob Trendiak

What’s your hope for animal protection in Canada over the next 10 years? 

Beth: I have a lot of hope for the future of animal protection, even when it feels hard to keep fighting. Animal welfare connects with so many issues of the moment from climate change to food sovereignty. I see more and more Canadians eating less meat, buying less junk and making incremental changes for the better.  

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

Beth: I would choose to be a house cat because I already identify with them quite a bit! For starters, we're both independent and food motivated. We're both particular about a clean home and who we let into our personal space. I also never say no to a nap in a sunbeam.

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As we celebrate 75 years of moving the world to protect animals, it’s voices like Beth’s that remind us of the power of perseverance, compassion and community. Her 14-year journey is part of a much larger story – one written by staff, supporters and advocates like you.  

Thank you for being part of this legacy, and here’s to the next chapter in creating a better world for animals.