From Crisis to Compassion: 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
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 in addressing the growing crisis of abandoned and homeless dogs.
Animal shelters nationwide are under increasing pressure as the number of stray and surrendered dogs continues to rise. Limited resources, overcrowding and financial strain are pushing many organisations to their limits. FOUR PAWS emphasises that while shelters play a critical role, lasting change depends on the collective action of individuals and communities. National Rescue Dog Day serves as a reminder that everyone can contribute to improving the lives of animals in need, whether by adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or even reporting stray animals responsibly.
In addition, responsible reporting of stray or abandoned animals can prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure dogs receive the care they need. Supporting local animal welfare organisations, through donations, volunteering or partnerships, further strengthens the network of care available to vulnerable animals. The organisation also underscores the importance of making ethical, long-term decisions when it comes to pet ownership. Through its ongoing “Adopt Don’t Shop” campaign, FOUR PAWS urges the public to prioritise adoption over purchasing pets, helping to reduce demand for breeding while giving homeless animals a second chance at life.
FOUR PAWS stresses that meaningful change begins at home.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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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. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za