Ronnie Wood Joins Rabies Vaccine Campaign

Ronnie Wood, a member of one of rock music’s most iconic bands has banded together with World Animal Protection to mark a milestone in global health for dogs, and to amp up public interest to help more canines in crisis.

The news that one million rabies vaccinations have been given by World Animal Protection to dogs around the globe to protect their lives as well as safeguard their communities is music to the ears of animal lovers, Ronnie Wood among them. Fans of our four-legged friends are singing the praises of The Rolling Stones guitarist as he uses his star wattage to shine a spotlight on the charity’s continued mission of mercy.

Speaking out about the paws cause, Wood (who is also a patron of The Tusk Trust) stated: “Our dog Dolly is a wonder dog beagle extraordinaire! She’s very loving. All dogs should be treated responsibly, with understanding and compassion, which is why I support World Animal Protection UK’s campaign to create a better life for dogs around the world.”

The rock legend isn’t the only famous fan of our four-legged friends who have shown support for the campaign. Previous high-profile pals to those with paws who have joined with World Animal Protection UK to voice their concern for dogs in danger due to the fear of rabies include singer/songwriter/animal advocate Leona Lewis, who has just made her Broadway debut as Grizabella in the revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical CATS; Australian star Natalie Imbruglia, who rose to the top of the charts in the 90s with the hit single “Torn”; and American author Jodi Pinoult, the author of such bestsellers as My Sister’s Keeper and House Rules.

Although today rabies is a rare threat in many countries, World Animal Protection states that in some corners of the planet “This forgotten disease is killing five times as many people as Ebola, and a disease we are taking for granted.”

World Animal Protection reports that each day thousands of homeless, unvaccinated dogs are still dying violent deaths as people fight to stop the disease. Helping to put an end to the culling of stray canines who become victims of people’s fear, in 2011 the charity began working with governments in Asia and Africa to implement vaccination schemes. Since the campaign began in pilot sites in China in 2012 and Zanzibar in 2013, no cases of rabies has been reported.

To find out how you can help the effort to eradicate this 100 percent preventable disease:

• visit www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk

Photo Credit: World Animal Protection