"The prince Laurent Foundation for the welfare of domestic and wild animals seeks to do everything possible to assure the recognition of and respect for the dignity of all animals,whatever the role man assigns to them.

It will, in particular, explore the effects of human behaviour on their avenir as well as on their contribution to man's prosperity.

Resolutely evolutionist, the Foundation will proceed on a strictly scientific basis with the cooperation of recognized experts, who will be selected on the basis of their specific knowledge of the subject in question. In order to achieve this goal, it will initiate studies, projects and symposiums. In particular the Foundation will stimulate the exchange of ideas between the authorities, the institutional (social or economic) partners and animal protection societies. Furthermore it will recognize and encourage scientific researches or initiatives in the field by granting an annual award.

Thus it will invite authorities as well as individuals to take global measures for the protection of the environment, by emphasizing that we are all involved : water reaches every corner of the earth; industrial air pollution affects all continents, soil impoverishment or the dwindling number of animal species (whether the result of illness, intensive hunting or excessive exploitation) have pernicious consequences for the entire world population and lead to harmful practices.


The Foundation would also like to emphasize the importance of the psychological role of animals towards children, elderly people, physically or mentally handicapped persons, prisoners, isolated persons. We all know how important dogs can be for the blind, both as their guide and companion. For autistic children, for people without family, for prisoners ... an animal will become a companion, a friend one can trust, and which will incite a feeling of responsability. An animal embodies those virtues that man has so often neglected : loyalty, honesty, unselfishness. Robinson Crusoe, before meeting Friday on his island, had already tamed a goat, which followed him everywhere, and later a parrot, which had the advantage of being able to mimic the human language.

For my part, I would like to devote, to the best of my abilities, part of my life's activities to the improvement of animal welfare. I hope that, in achieving this goal, I can also bring greater happiness to the people, by, on the one hand, suppressing animal abuse, and, on the other hand, by encouraging and strengthening the bonds of respect, admiration and love which must exist between man and animal."

S.A.R. le Prince Laurent de Belgique
may 1996