State of Animal Welfare Address SOAWA 2026

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FOUR PAWS

is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

#BreakTheViciousCycle

FOUR PAWS is fighting to ban the commercial trade of ALL big cats in South Africa

#WearItKind

Together, we can drive an animal-friendly fashion future.

#ProtectMillions

Stolen. Killed. Eaten. End the Dog and Cat Meat Trade.

Cat and Dog Meat Trade Investigation Hanoi VT

#TheySufferWeSuffer

Pandemics and Animal Welfare: Support our demands for a world of higher animal welfare!

#BetterFarmsHealthyFuture

Animal welfare protects everyone.

Farm Animal Welfare for Better Public Health

#LiveKinder

We can all #LiveKinder

Wild Animals

Everything important about local and exotic wildlife

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

A FOUR PAWS sanctuary in South Africa since 2006

Farm Animals

Working to improve conditions of "farm animals"

Climate and Animal Welfare

Factory farming is damaging the planet

Companion Animals

Our topics around dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets

Rapid Response for Animals

FOUR PAWS assists animals in the of conflict

Disaster Relief for Animals

FOUR PAWS helps animals in the face of disaster

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Lions Rudo and Kali at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa

Reports & Resources

Explore our latest reports and resources, which provide insight into our work to improve animal welfare and create lasting change for animals in South Africa and beyond

'67 Kennels of Hope' Mandela Day delivery event in Khayelitsha

FOUR PAWS Welcomes Landmark Pet Population Data in SA

First credible national data on owned companion animals marks a milestone for animal population management and disease control

A herd of cattle at a farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa

A Gentle Reminder to Think About the Animals Behind Our Milk

FOUR PAWS encourages South African families to learn more about where their food comes from and make kinder everyday choices

2025 Mandela Day handover of 67 Kennels of Hope

Help Build 67 Kennels of Hope for Mandela Day

FOUR PAWS launches nationwide drive for donations to improve the lives of dogs in vulnerable communities

Lion Romeo at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.

White Lion Romeo Marks Two Years at LIONSROCK

One of the sanctuary’s tallest residents thrives years after his rescue from a life in the circus

Dog Chippie before being collected for sterilisation

How Communities Can Be Part of the Rescue Movement

This National Rescue Dog Day, FOUR PAWS encourages South Africans to take action, from fostering to supporting local rescue initiatives

Investigation into the big cat captive breeding in South Africa

Endangered Species Day: SA Must #BreakTheViciousCyle

FOUR PAWS calls for an end to the commercial breeding and trade of all big cats

Picture, Fiona Miles, Director, FOUR PAWS South Africa

Fragmentation Is Failing Animals; Alignment Can Change Their Future

FOUR PAWS’ 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address calls for coordinated reform to protect animals, people and the planet

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Leopard Bakari at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

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