FOUR PAWS

FOUR PAWS urges pet owners to protect animals from stress, toxic treats and escape risks during Halloween. Cape Town, 26 October 2026 – With Halloween approaching, FOUR PAWS is reminding South Africans to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe. While Halloween celebrations are popular across the country, costumes, decorations, treats and a steady …

Lioness Simona removed from hotel captivity to sanctuary care at LIONSROCK Bethlehem, 26 October 2026 – On 29 October marks the rescueversary of lioness Simona, FOUR PAWS is recognising her journey from captivity in Bulgaria to a life of safety and care at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Born in 2006, Simona was rescued by Bulgarian …

Cape Town: FOUR PAWS welcomes the Constitutional Court’s judgement to dismiss the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association’s application to have the animal well-being provisions in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) declared unconstitutional and invalid. This outcome highlights the significance of advancing animal well-being within South Africa’s biodiversity legislative framework and reflects …

On World Teachers’ Day, FOUR PAWS celebrates educators who inspire compassion through unforgettable lessons at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Bethlehem – Children often ask the questions adults have forgotten to ask. “Why was the lion living in a cage?” “Do rescued animals get a second chance?” and “Can lions be happy again?” are just some …

FOUR PAWS highlights the need for stronger welfare protections for companion, farm and wild animals. Cape Town – As South Africans prepare to mark World Animal Day on 4 October 2026, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is encouraging people to embrace this year’s theme, “See the World Through Their Eyes,” by considering how animals …

FOUR PAWS calls for better animal welfare to help reduce disease risks and build a healthier future for South Africans. As World Farm Animals Day approaches on 2 October, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is highlighting the important link between farm animal welfare, public health and resilient food systems. Scientific evidence continues to demonstrate …

FOUR PAWS says a One Health approach is key to protecting families, pets and communities from a preventable deadly disease. Ahead of World Rabies Day on 28 September, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is urging South Africans to embrace a One Health approach to help eliminate rabies, a deadly but entirely preventable disease that …

FOUR PAWS calls for responsible use of AI as World Tourism Day highlights the future of digital tourism Cape Town, 21 September 2026 – Ahead of World Tourism Day on 27 September, FOUR PAWS is calling for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism and wildlife content, warning that misleading AI-generated images and …

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 …