FOUR PAWS

FOUR PAWS encourages Mzansi to celebrate tradition with kinder choices for animals, people and the planet. Cape Town – As South Africans prepare to gather around the fire this Heritage Day observed on 24 September, FOUR PAWS is encouraging Mzansi to make compassion part of the celebration by enjoying plant-based dishes. From family braais in …

World Plant Milk Day highlights the power of plant-based choices. Cape Town – Ahead of World Plant Milk Day, FOUR PAWS South Africa is urging consumers to rethink their everyday dairy choices and explore plant-based alternatives that benefit both personal wellbeing and animal welfare. As awareness grows around the impact of food consumption, plant-based milks …

30 lions and tigers travel from Argentina to South Africa and the United States FOUR PAWS has started relocating 30 lions and tigers from the former Zoo Luján in Argentina. 15 big cats are being transferred to FOUR PAWS’ LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, while 15 others will find a new home at …

Four years after their rescue, the Romania Five show why sanctuaries matter. Bethlehem – Four years after their rescue from unsafe private captivity in Romania, five lions Roman, Vincent, Dolf, Ellie and Geena are thriving at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. But their story is also a powerful reminder of a critical reality: for many rescued …

Responsible pet guardianship is key to ending animal homelessness in South Africa. Cape Town, 13 August 2026 – Ahead of International Homeless Animals Day, observed annually on 15 August 2026, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on South Africans and local government to recognise that responsible pet guardianship remains one of the most …

Women transforming animal welfare through policy, care and community impact. Cape Town, 12 August 2026 – As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, FOUR PAWS is recognising the critical role women play in tackling the country’s animal welfare challenges through both policy-driven advocacy and hands-on care that delivers lasting impact for animals and communities. In a …

Conservation and welfare organisations urge renewed commitment and action to end South Africa’s captive lion industry. Cape Town – In honour of World Lion Day observed on 10 August, four leading animal welfare and conservation organisations are renewing calls for South Africa to honour its commitment to phase out the commercial captive lion industry. As …

International Cat Day highlights the real responsibility of cat ownership in South Africa. Cape Town, 03 August 2025 – As South Africa joins the global celebration of International Cat Day, animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is urging the public to rethink impulsive pet ownership and instead prioritise responsible adoption, sterilisation and lifelong care. New Stats …

FOUR PAWS warns of growing zoonotic disease risks in South Africa ahead of World Zoonoses Day. Cape Town — Ahead of World Zoonoses Day on 6 July, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling for urgent, unified action to tackle the root causes of zoonotic diseases, many of which are deeply embedded in everyday …

FOUR PAWS launches new tool to calculate impact of individual meat consumption The global appetite for meat is outpacing what the planet can sustain, with consumption now more than double recommended levels. High-income countries drive the overshoot, using up their yearly recommendation within months. FOUR PAWS promotes solutions, introducing a meat consumption calculator. Cape Town, …

FOUR PAWS promotes a wellbeing-first approach for pets in the workplace Cape Town, 22 June 2026 — As South Africans look forward to celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day on 26 June 2026, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is encouraging pet owners and workplaces to approach the day with care, kindness and an …

South Africa urged to follow global trend away from shipping animals for slaughter Cape Town, 08 June 2026 — As South Africa continues to allow the export of live animals by sea, the country finds itself at a critical crossroads: whether to regulate a controversial trade or take decisive action to end it. Currently, live …

Communities urged to adopt sustainable, humane food choices as environmental pressures mount Cape Town, 03 June 2026 — As South Africa marks World Environment Day on 05 June and the start of National Environment Month, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on communities, consumers and policymakers to confront the growing crisis of factory …

FOUR PAWS launches nationwide drive for donations to improve the lives of dogs in vulnerable communities Cape Town, 26 May 2026 — As Mandela Day approaches on 18 July, FOUR PAWS South Africa is calling on individuals, communities and businesses across the country to come together in a powerful act of compassion through launching its …

This National Rescue Dog Day, FOUR PAWS encourages South Africans to take action, from fostering to supporting local rescue initiatives. Cape Town, 18 May 2026 — As South Africa marks National Rescue Dog Day on 20 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on communities across the country to play an active role …

FOUR PAWS calls for an end to the commercial breeding and trade of all big cats. Cape Town — On Endangered Species Day observed on 15 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS warns that South Africa remains at the centre of a growing crisis threatening some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species: …

FOUR PAWS hosts its annual State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA, inviting the public to join the discussion via YouTube livestream. Cape Town — Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS will host the annual 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 in Cape Town. Bringing together leaders from animal welfare, …

FOUR PAWS reminds us that healthier animals mean healthier communities. Cape Town, 02 April 2026 – Ahead of World Health Day on 7 April, FOUR PAWS South Africa is urging government to integrate animal welfare into the country’s One Health framework. This approach links human, animal and environmental health and shows why animal welfare is …

FOUR PAWS calls for legislation that protects both communities and animals. Cape Town, 30 March 2026 — In the lead up to World Stray Animal Day (04 April), global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is sounding the alarm on South Africa’s growing stray animal crisis, an issue impacting animal welfare, public health and community safety. …

Cape Town, 24 March 2026 — Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS celebrates a landmark victory following the National Council of Provinces’ decision to approve the Draft Notice Prohibiting Certain Activities Involving African Lion. This decisive step marks the beginning of the end for South Africa’s captive lion industry by prohibiting the establishment of new …

From a train carriage in Argentina to specialised care in Bethlehem, Free State. Bethlehem, 04 March 2026 – LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, is marking a significant milestone: the Rescueversary of Sandro, the last surviving member of the group once known as the ‘Train Tigers’. After more than …