BRUSSELS (14th February 2025) ― Animal charity Humane Society International today announced it will change its name to Humane World for Animals to establish clarity in its mission to create lasting change for animals across the European Union and around the world. The change takes effect today and underscores the organisation's global impact while highlighting its commitment to all animals.
For more than 30 years globally and for more than a decade in Brussels, Humane World for Animals—formerly called Humane Society International—has worked to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering. Today, to convey the organisation’s scope and bold work to end animal cruelty, it is uniting with its U.S.-based counterpart under one new name and logo that communicates its global, all-animal focus.
"Since our founding, we’ve continued to adapt to maximize our impact for animals around the world,” says Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “This important next step in our historical journey ensures our global mission and bold work are clearly understood. As our teams around the world work more closely together, uniting under one global brand now reflects our shared vision and strategy.”
Humane World for Animals has projects in more than 50 countries around the world to tackle animal cruelty including the fur farming, the dog and cat meat trades, factory farming, commercial whaling, trophy hunting and the illegal wildlife trade, animal testing and puppy farming. In the European Union, with country offices in Poland, Germany, Italy and Romania and active campaign work in Spain, the Netherlands and France, Humane World for Animals drives change for animals with targeted political work, public awareness raising, corporate partnerships and policy discussions across different sectors. Since its founding in the EU in 2014, the organization has accomplished incredible wins for animal protection such as the recent bans on fur farming in Romania in 2024 and in Italy in 2022, Belgium’s landmark decision to ban the import of hunting trophies in 2024 and its vital aid for more than 300,000 companion animals in Ukraine.
Ruud Tombrock, executive director of Humane World for Animals Europe, says: “While our name and branding are changing, our dedication to ending animal cruelty is not. Our new and impactful look is designed to inspire a new generation of animal advocates to join us in creating a more compassionate world for the creatures we share this planet with. Whether it’s fighting to end factory farming and champion plant-based food, banning fur farming, phasing out animal testing, or protecting wildlife from persecution, Humane World for Animals is committed to safeguarding animals in Europe and across the globe.”
To officially launch the rebrand, Humane World for Animals will debut a powerful 30-second short video envisioning a future without animal cruelty. Set to a newly created, never-before-heard rendition of Peter Gabriel’s iconic 1977 hit “Solsbury Hill” recorded by pop superstar Sia, the short video brings the organisation's mission to life. The film can be viewed on YouTube and Sia’s version of the song is available for streaming, with her portion of proceeds supporting Humane World for Animals. Take a behind the scenes look at the making of the film.
“As someone who grew up feeling like she didn’t have a voice, I've always felt a deep connection to animals and have developed a strong passion for advocating on their behalf, since they can't speak for themselves,” says Sia. “I’m honoured to be a part of this project with Humane World for Animals, as they work to make a greater impact for the animals we love.”
“If we want to leave a habitable world for our grandchildren and their own kids, we have to change our relationship with the natural world and with all the wonderful creatures we share it with,” says Peter Gabriel. “I am delighted that Solsbury Hill has been chosen for the Humane World for Animals campaign and hope it may be useful in helping to continue to build a platform of respect, care, and compassion for all sentient beings.”
The emotionally charged, narrative-driven video, created in partnership with Emmy-winning, Oscar and Grammy-nominated global creative studio Nexus Studios and director Johnny Kelly, uses innovative stop-motion techniques with handmade puppets, cruelty-free materials and animal-friendly sets. Instead of focusing on abuse, the video highlights the bold vision that drives Humane World for Animals' work—animals freed from suffering, experiencing love, protection and a brighter future. Each of the five animal stories featured in the ad carries profound meaning, showcasing the impact of the organisation's global efforts to end animal cruelty.
To learn more about Humane World for Animals Europe, visit humaneworld.org. To watch the new video, visit our global YouTube channel, and to stream Sia’s rendition of “Solsbury Hill” click here. An additional video that shows Humane World for Animals staff in action is available here.
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- Download photos/video HERE of our global work
- Download photos/video HERE of the making of the 30-seconds short video with Sia’s rendition of “Solsbury Hill”
About Humane World for Animals
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world. humaneworld.org
- Yavor Gechev
