A thin dog in De Doorns in the Western Cape in South Africa

World Stray Animal Day: South Africa’s Stray Animal Crisis Needs Humane Solutions

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.

It has been estimated that approximately 4.05 million dogs and cats in South Africa are homeless, being roughly 22% of the country’s estimated 18.6 million companion animals (dogs: 13.4 million, cats: 5.2 million). Of the homeless population, it is estimated that 3.4 million are strays and 650,000 are in shelters, highlighting the scale of the challenge that communities face daily. In Langa, Cape Town, a census found nearly 90% of dogs and cats unsterilised, a key driver of relentless population growth and associated risks.

“Stray animal management is a One Health issue. When dogs and cats roam without care, it’s not only the animals that suffer, but communities also face increased risks of bites, disease transmission and unsafe environments. Humane, evidence-based solutions are urgently needed.”

Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa

Rabies remains a serious public health threat in South Africa. Surveillance data show human cases are confirmed annually, particularly linked to dog bites; timely PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) and mass dog vaccination are proven lifesaving interventions. A retrospective, NICD led review in Limpopo (2011–2023) recorded 98,743 animal bite‑ cases and 32 human deaths due to rabies, with a 100% fatality rate among confirmed cases, many of whom did not complete PEP courses, highlighting the need for better awareness and access to care.

“We call on the government to embed these principles into national and municipal legislation. South Africa has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that animal welfare and human health go hand in hand.”

Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa

Unmanaged reproduction and abandonment are major drivers of stray populations. FOUR PAWS advocates for responsible pet ownership, sterilisation, identification/ microchipping and vaccination. These proactive interventions are widely recognised as more effective and humane than euthanasia.

Municipal frameworks such as the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By‑law (2021) include mandatory sterilisation and permitting provisions to curb overpopulation and improve community safety. FOUR PAWS encourages authorities to scale humane, science-based interventions by enacting legislation.

Call to Action

  • Government: Embed humane companion animal population management through national and municipal laws to promote responsible ownership, sterilisation, identification and vaccination.
  • Communities and pet owners: Vaccinate, sterilise, microchip and keep pets safely at home; report bite incidents promptly and seek PEP.
  • Civil society and experts: Collaborate on data-driven interventions and public awareness to protect people, pets, and public spaces.

Join the movement:

Explore FOUR PAWS’ resources and advocacy at www.four-paws.org.za and help champion humane, effective solutions for stray animals rooted in One Health and community well‑being.

/ENDS

Public Relations Officer ZA

Deidre Daniels

Public Relations Officer

Deidre.Daniels@four-paws.org

+27 (0)21 702 4277

+27 (0)78 675 8220

9B 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

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