Use the FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide to take small steps of Kindness this World Animal Day Cape Town, 29 September 2025 — On 4 October, South Africans will join the global community in celebrating World Animal Day, a time to pause and reflect on the animals who share our lives, our land and our homes. This year’s theme "Save Animals, Save the Planet!", reminds us that animals are not just part of our environment, but part of our communities and caring for them is our shared responsibility. Instead of a physical gathering outside Parliament this year, FOUR PAWS is calling on individuals, schools, organisations, and communities across the country to mark the day in their own way, using the Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide for a Kinder World. This guide is a simple, practical tool that helps South Africans advocate for stronger animal protection laws while making more compassionate choices in everyday life. From our wildlife in the Kruger National Park to our beloved dogs and cats in our townships, this year’s theme honours all animals, wild, farm and companion as rightful co-inhabitants of our land. The day is a gentle reminder for us that highlights urgent issues like wildlife exploitation, factory farming, and the safe and humane care of stray animals. World Animal Day inspires us to respect animals’ rights to live freely and safely and to push for stronger protections in law and practice. The Advocacy Guide: Your Toolkit for Change The Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide, launched by FOUR PAWS South Africa, offers: Steps to engage with local and national government. Templates for letters and petitions. Tips for hosting awareness events in your community. Guidance on ethical choices in food, fashion, and travel (#LiveKinder, #EatKinder, #WearItKind & #TravelKind). Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS shares: “Making animal welfare a focal point of our purpose is a powerful way to create positive change for animals, whether through …
World Rabies Day 2025: ‘Act Now: You,?Me, Community’
Rabies Centres of Excellence collaborate to strengthen rabies elimination efforts Cape Town, 22 September 2025 — Every year on 28 September, the world remembers rabies victims on World Rabies Day. This year’s theme “Act?Now: You,?Me,?Community” is a call to action for individuals, leaders, and communities to eliminate rabies and save lives. In South Africa, FOUR?PAWS has partnered with the GARC to introduce South African animal welfare groups to the Rabies Centres of Excellence (RCEs) initiative. This initiative aims to recognise and support local animal welfare groups that meet global standards for rabies elimination and community engagement. In June, FOUR PAWS and GARC hosted a dedicated RCE webinar to provide South African animal welfare groups with information on: Best practices for rabies vaccination campaigns. Community engagement strategies to reduce dog-mediated rabies. Data collection and reporting aligned with international standards. Access to global expertise and mentorship through GARC’s network. South Africa has a strong local commitment to rabies elimination with several representatives joining from multiple animal welfare groups. More than 60 national organisations were invited to the interactive session, featuring a Q&A session and practical guidance on how to become a recognised RCE. “This webinar was an important step in empowering South African animal welfare organisations with the tools and knowledge they need to eliminate rabies in their communities,” said Dr André Coetzer, CEO at GARC. “By building RCEs locally, we can ensure that vaccination campaigns are effective, data-driven, and reach every corner of our communities.” The RCE Initiative: A Local Hub with Global Reach RCEs in South Africa gain access to: GARC’s global network for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Educational resources adapted to local languages and communities. Digital surveillance tools for real-time data on rabies …
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South Africa Marks World Tourism Day 2025 With Call for Ethical Travel
FOUR PAWS spotlights “Dethroned” documentary and #TravelKind campaign to drive sustainable transformation in tourism Cape Town, 17 September 2025 — On 27 September 2025, South Africa will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. The day highlights how travel can be a driver for positive change, boosting local economies, protecting cultural heritage, and safeguarding the environment. For FOUR PAWS South Africa, this year’s theme is an opportunity to shine a light on ethical tourism, especially when it comes to wildlife. Through the award-winning investigative documentary “Dethroned” and the organisation’s long running #TravelKind movement, FOUR PAWS is urging South Africans to reconsider how travel choices impact animals, ecosystems, and communities. Exposing the True Cost of Wildlife Tourism “Dethroned”, created in partnership with TERRA MATER Studios and FOUR CORNERS Film & Photography, exposes the realities of the world’s commercial big cat industry. In South Africa lions and other big cats are bred for tourism activities such as cub petting, walking with lions, and trophy hunting. The documentary, which won Gold at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), lays bare the reality behind what is often marketed as conservation tourism. It challenges travellers to ask whether their holiday experiences are helping wildlife or exploiting it. #TravelKind: Turning Awareness into Action FOUR PAWS’ #TravelKind campaign is a call to make conscious choices that protect animals and the planet, like the destinations we visit - without contributing to animal cruelty. When applied to tourism, the campaign urges South Africans to: Avoid attractions that exploit animals for entertainment. Support genuine sanctuaries and conservation projects. Choose travel options that respect wildlife habitats and local communities. “Tourism holds immense potential to …
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Heritage Day 2025: Celebrate Our Unity With a Kinder Braai
FOUR PAWS calls on Mzansi to embrace plant-based braai swaps for a tradition that’s tasty, inclusive, and kind to animals and the planet. Cape Town, 15 September 2025 — Heritage Day on 24 September 2025 beckons South Africans to come together, beyond cultures and backgrounds, around the unmistakable aroma of sizzling flames the heart of the “braai.” This year, in keeping with heritage’s spirit of unity and progress, FOUR PAWS in South Africa is encouraging celebrants to embrace plant-based braai swaps, simple, tasty, and kind. The braai is a cornerstone of Heritage Day, a way to share stories, laughter, and identity as we celebrate our Rainbow Nation. Now, we can elevate that tradition, ensuring it aligns with compassion for animals, our environment, and our wellbeing. “Heritage Day is about celebrating what makes South Africa unique, and that includes our deep connection to food and the outdoors,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa. “By choosing plant-based options this Braai Day, we can honour our traditions while also taking a stand for animals, our health, and the planet.” Top Reasons to Try Plant-Based Braai Swaps: Good for animals and the planet: Reducing meat consumption supports animal welfare and lowers environmental harm. Easy to do and delicious: Simple recipes, such as mushroom medallions, veggie kebabs, bean-based salads, or vegan potato salad, seat cruelty-free meals right at home. Inclusive and fun: Ensures everyone, regardless of dietary choice, can join the braai without compromise. A meaningful nod to tradition: Honours rounded heritage by connecting respect for all life with cultural celebration. “In a kinder world, our food choices would have no negative impact on animals, human health, or the environment. That world can start right here, at our braai grill, on Heritage Day,” adds Miles. “Small changes on our plates can have a big impact, this is a celebration where compassion should be part of the …
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Anti-fur Coalition Urges Outdoor Fashion Brand Woolrich to Go Fur-Free
Since its founding in 1988, FOUR PAWS has been campaigning to end the cruelty of fur farming Johannesburg, 11 September 2025 – Today, the Fur Free Alliance (FFA) launched a global campaign urging outdoor fashion brand Woolrich to adopt a fur-free policy. The coalition is made up of 50 animal protection organisations in 30 countries, making it one of the largest anti-fur campaigns of all time. In the run-up to major fashion weeks, coordinated street actions are planned across Europe to encourage the traditional brand to reconsider its stance. This follows attempts by the FFA to get into a dialogue that were left unanswered. Other renowned outdoor brands - including Canada Goose, Moncler, and Patagonia - have already gone fur-free. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, a long-standing member of the FFA, has been advocating against fur farming since its inception in 1988. Woolrich, the self-proclaimed “world-leading designer of outdoor lifestyle apparel,” continues to use fur – despite the undeniable cruelty of fur farms highlighted in a recent Scientific Opinion by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA), and despite the fur industry’s years-long decline in revenue and public support. Their so-called iconic Woolrich Arctic Parka – widely recognised as the brand’s signature winter piece – is a main contributor to animal suffering. Its fur-trimmed hood is made of pelts from raccoon dogs, coyotes, and foxes, killed solely for decorative purposes. Fur farms cause animal suffering and environmental pollution “Woolrich has built its legacy on outdoor heritage, but today that legacy is at odds with compassion. No matter how thin the fur-trim is, the suffering behind it is enormous. Such a globally known brand should no longer turn a blind eye to the cruelty of fur farming and trapping. We reached out to initiate a dialogue, but our offer was ignored. Now it is time to start a public conversation so fashion lovers and animal advocates around the world …
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Pets in Springtime: A Season of Renewal and Allergies for Our Furry Friends
Pets in Springtime: A Season of Renewal and Allergies for Our Furry Friends FOUR PAWS urges pet owners to stay alert as pollen levels rise, and dogs show signs of seasonal allergies Cape Town, 01 September 2025 – As South Africa bursts into bloom with the arrival of spring, FOUR PAWS is reminding pet owners to be mindful of the seasonal challenges their dogs may face especially allergies triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, grasses, and dust. While many associate allergies with humans, dogs are equally vulnerable to airborne allergens. With spring’s surge in pollen and other irritants, symptoms can intensify, leaving pets uncomfortable and at risk of secondary infections. “Springtime in South Africa is a celebration of life and renewal, but it can also be a time of discomfort for our pets,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “We urge pet owners to be vigilant and compassionate. Environmental allergies can severely impact a dog’s wellbeing. Early recognition and veterinary support are key.” Signs your dog may be suffering from environmental allergies: Persistent scratching, licking, or biting, especially around the paws, ears, and belly. Red or inflamed skin, hair loss, or crusty patches. Frequent ear infections or paw inflammation. Watery eyes, sneezing or nasal discharge. FOUR PAWS South Africa recommends: Rinsing your dog’s paws after walks to remove excess pollen, dust and other irritants. Keeping bedding clean and vacuum regularly to reduce allergen buildup indoors Limited outdoor exposure during peak pollen times, especially early mornings and windy days. Use vet-approved wipes or sprays to soothe irritated skin and reduce allergen contact. Consult your veterinarian for allergy testing and treatment options. Pet ownership comes with unique responsibilities. FOUR PAWS reminds future and current pet owners to consider the long-term care, financial commitment, and health needs of …