Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

From Forgotten to Family: TEARS Highlights Feral Cats Ready for Adoption

October 26, 2025 in , , , , /by

From Forgotten to Family: TEARS Highlights Feral Cats Ready for Adoption They may not be lap cats, but the ferals and semi-ferals at TEARS Animal Rescue are proving that with time, patience, and compassion, even the most timid cats can learn to trust again – and are ready for homes of their own. Once too shy to approach anyone, cats like Ommi and Bebe, two striking long-haired calicos, now step out to greet caregivers, accept strokes, and even enjoy a gentle brush. Dobby, a ginger boy, has grown from hiding at the back of his enclosure to leaning into the […]

15 Fascinating Maned Wolf Facts

October 25, 2025 in , , , /by

15 Fascinating Maned Wolf Facts Maned wolves are commonly mistaken for foxes and wolves. But this unique animal species is neither. Read our top maned wolves facts to learn about these elusive, long-legged creatures. Learn more about these ‘foxes on stilts’ Maned wolves belong to the canine family and are the largest canine in South America. They play an important role in their grassland habitat, helping to spread seeds and control small mammal populations. But few people know much about these striking but solitary animals. Here, we put that right, with 15 fun facts about maned wolves, revealing maned wolf […]

As Forests Are Cut Down, Butterflies Are Losing Their Colours

October 24, 2025 in , , , , /by

As Forests Are Cut Down, Butterflies Are Losing Their Colours The insects’ brilliant hues evolved in lush ecosystems to help them survive. Now they are becoming more muted to adapt to degraded landscapes – and they are not the only things dulling down he world is becoming less colourful. For butterflies, bold and bright wings once meant survival, helping them attract mates and hide from prey. But a new research project suggests that as humans replace rich tropical forests with monochrome, the colour of other creatures is leaching away. “The colours on a butterfly’s wings are not trivial – they […]

NSPCA Puts Brakes on Non-Compliant Heidelberg Camel Races

October 23, 2025 in , , , , /by

NSPCA Puts Brakes on Non-Compliant Heidelberg Camel Races The NSPCA has formally drawn Laerskool A.G. Visser’s attention to the national Department of Agriculture’s directive regarding the school’s planned camel races at this weekend’s “Kameelfees.” The festival, set for 26 and 27 September, was promoted as featuring five camel races alongside well-known South African performers. From the outset, the NSPCA raised serious animal welfare concerns. Camels are sentient beings at risk of stress, injury and falls – risks made worse when untrained amateur riders are involved. After the school challenged our social media posts by presenting a Performing Animals Protection Act […]

Insects Aren’t ‘Little Robots’ – So Scientists Are Rethinking Their Welfare

October 22, 2025 in , , , /by

Insects Aren’t ‘Little Robots’ – So Scientists Are Rethinking Their Welfare Science chats with an entomologist and an expert in animal ethics who are monitoring how researchers report on the ethical treatment of insects Scientists have long assumed that insects and other invertebrates can’t feel pain. As a result, these creatures are often left out of the legal and ethical guidelines that require mice, monkeys, and other laboratory animals to be treated as humanely as possible. But what would it look like to broaden these protections to the millions of fruit flies, beetles, mosquitoes, and other insects used in research […]

End Australia’s Slaughter of Marine Animals

October 21, 2025 in , , , /by

End Australia’s Slaughter of Marine Animals Just last month, Queensland shark nets have entangled not one but two mother and calf pairs of humpback whales. Distressing drone footage shows one of the mothers trying to keep her calf alive. Thankfully, these animals were rescued, but that is not the fate of so many others. Right now, the Queensland government is conducting a devastating shark culling program, an ineffective method aimed at reducing shark bites, which cruelly entangles and kills sharks, dolphins, whales and other marine animals. Let the Queensland government know you oppose shark culling by taking action today. Take […]

Don’t forget Your Pet’s Holiday Plans This December

October 20, 2025 in , , , , /by

Don’t forget Your Pet’s Holiday Plans This December Planning ahead, December holiday bookings for your pets The end of the year is a time to look forward to sunshine, travel, and much-needed rest. We’ve barely made it through winter, and December feels like a long way off; however, when it comes to securing your pet’s holiday accommodation, kennel, cattery, or a trusted sitter, it’s imperative to think ahead.  “Early planning for your pet’s holiday arrangements ensures peace of mind for you and reduces stress for your pet. December is the busiest time of year for kennels, catteries, and pet sitters, […]

A Statement from the Executive Director of CAAWO on the Passing of Dr. Jane Goodall

October 19, 2025 in , , , /by

A Statement from the Executive Director of CAAWO on the Passing of Dr. Jane Goodall Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall From the Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations (CAAWO) It is with the deepest sorrow that we at CAAWO mourn the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a true titan of conservation and a lifelong champion for the voiceless. The world has lost a guiding light, and her absence will be profoundly felt across the African continent and around the globe. Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research in Tanzania not only revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees, but also redefined the relationship between humanity […]

Surrendering A Parrot

October 18, 2025 in , , , , , /by

Surrendering A Parrot Rehoming a parrot through Cheeky Beaks Rescue – what you need to know: We can offer some virtual consultations. We charge R150 per hour and have at least two team members sitting in. You fill in a questionnaire beforehand and then we use that information to guide you and see if we can identify the problem and give you advice about how to approach it. The funds go directly into our NPO account that is used to help more birds. Other than that we offer a fostering and rehabilitation program where we take the bird into our […]

No Future For Factory Farming

October 16, 2025 in , , , , /by

No Future For Factory Farming Factory farming is a global problem that requires a global solution Every year, factory farming condemns billions of animals to lives of cruelty and suffering for a fast profit. Farm animals experience relentless suffering at the hands of factory farming – trapped in cages, mutilated, and pumped full of antibiotics to stay alive. The problem will get worse before it gets better. The rapid growth in demand for cheap meat and dairy means large increases are expected globally including in Africa, Asia and Latin America in the imminent future. At World Animal Protection, we work […]