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Government’s Review Of Public Comments Continues

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Government’s Review Of Public Comments Continues

The deadline for public comment submissions on the draft live export regulations

was the 25th of August, and despite having followed up with the Department of Agriculture, we still have no clarity on when their review of the public comments will be complete.

While we wait, we continue to spread the message of the atrocities which these animals suffer during these perilous journeys. The more of the public who know the truth about this terrible practice, the louder our call to BAN this barbaric trade will be heard.

In recognition of the sentience of these beings who are traded as commodities, we mark days to honour and celebrate their lives and to raise awareness of the mistreatment they suffer.

Look out for posts about these days on our social media pages, and please share with your networks to create awareness.

TOGETHER we CAN STOP LIVE EXPORTS and create a KINDER world for animals.

Source: Stop Live Export SA

No Future For Factory Farming

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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 tirelessly to ensure farmed animals live good lives by transforming the global food system and attitudes towards farm animal welfare.

A moratorium on factory farms is urgently needed to safeguard farm animal welfare, our climate, health and the environment.

Wild animal habitats

Cruel factory farming is destroying wild animal habitats to grow crops to feed farmed animals, this is having a devastating impact by:

  • Killing wildlife
  • Worsening the climate crisis
  • Poisoning our rivers
  • Creating superbugs and diseases that can transfer to humans

We believe that the welfare, treatment and attitude towards farmed animals’ lives across the world must change. Forever.

Farm animal welfare focus: Stopping the destructive animal feed trade

Cruel factory farming relies on a global trade in crops to feed farmed animals. Tropical forests are destroyed to make way for crops destined for factory farms around the world.

The special dietary needs of factory-farmed animals bred for profit drive the global trade in destructive animal feed.

Almost 80% of the world’s soybean crop is fed to farmed animals, not people. Pesticides are also used extensively, contaminating rivers and killing people and wild animals.

A moratorium on factory farming and a shift in farm animal welfare legislation would:

  • Free up land for communities to grow food for people
  • Support global food security and address the climate crisis
  • Relieve growing pressure on wild animal habitats and give wildlife a fighting chance

Factory farming is putting an extreme risk on public health and the planet’s future. Click the link below to read more in our latest report: Five worst health impacts of factory farming

Factory-farmed animal treatment

Animals in factory farms are bred to grow fast, have large litters, lay high numbers of eggs, or produce a maximum amount of milk. This causes great suffering over their short lifetimes.

Chickens are bred to reach their slaughter weight about twice as quickly as 40 years ago, and their legs cannot keep pace with the rapid body growth. As a result, many chickens suffer from painful, sometimes crippling leg disorders.

Ending irresponsible antibiotic use in farming

Three-quarters of the world’s antibiotics are used in animals, most on factory farms to stop stressed animals from getting sick. Antibiotic overuse causes superbugs to emerge. These can escape from farms via workers, into the food chain and our environment and waterways.

Already, the superbug crisis is responsible for 1.27 million deaths every year due to antibiotics no longer being effective.

The same low farm animal welfare conditions that give rise to superbugs can also cause diseases like bird flu or swine flu to emerge from factory farms and transfer to humans.

A moratorium and shift in farm animal welfare legislation on factory farming is the most effective way to safeguard public health and our environment.

This will lead to fewer farmed animals living in high welfare conditions, and no longer being subjected to harmful antibiotics.

Putting a stop to the future of factory farming

We protect the welfare of farmed animals by raising awareness of the harmful host of activities that are causing them to suffer.

The safeguarding of farm animal welfare is paramount. We must put an end to the devastation caused by factory farming to ensure farmed animals live better lives, we achieve this through raising awareness of:

  • The animal feed trade: The spike in cruel factory farming growth has a devastating impact on farmed and wild animals. There’s no bigger threat to the world’s animals, farmed and wild, than the expansion of factory farming
  • Improving animal welfare on farms: We work with the food industry to improve animal welfare and keep animals in an environment where they can benefit from a life worth living
  • Meat reduction: Encouraging less consumption of animal products to reduce animal suffering and protect our planet
  • Sustainable finance: A shift in attitude from fuelling destructive factory farming to investment in humane and sustainable systems
  • Promoting humane slaughter of farmed animals: To reduce animal cruelty and suffering

We are taking strides towards tackling the global problem with a global solution by:

  • Proactive campaigning to help safeguard farm animals and encourage a global food system shift
  • Producing and distributing animals in the wild and animals in farming reports
  • Forming strategic alliances with like-minded supporters that want change
  • Developing and building the case for humane sustainable alternatives
  • Raising awareness and knowledge of animal cruelty and protection
  • Ending the commercial exploitation of wildlife and farm animals

Our ambition

Factory farming and animal cruelty caused by current global food systems must end. For good.

Through shifting attitudes, safeguarding the way farm animals are treated, and implementing sustainable investment and practices, we can protect farm animals ensuring they live better lives as well as protecting our planet.

Are you ready to take action?

Join our mission and change the way the world works through people’s power. Take action today and support our efforts to stop farm animal cruelty and suffering. Forever.

Find out how you can get involved

Take Action

Source: World Animal Protection

No License to Kill: NSPCA Rejects Fresh Push for Dog Hunting and Greyhound Racing

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No License to Kill: NSPCA Rejects Fresh Push for Dog Hunting and Greyhound Racing

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has again slammed fresh attempts to legalise the cruel “sports” of hunting with dogs and greyhound racing. A memorandum recently submitted to the Presidency by the Amaphisi Hunters’ Association (AHA) proposes the legalisation of both.

The NSPCA has firmly opposed greyhound racing and hunting with dogs for decades. For over 32 years, the NSPCA has collated extensive evidence demonstrating the abuse, neglect, and cruelty inherent in these activities. Since dog racing was banned in 1949, multiple court cases, commissions, and draft policies – from a 2003 Free State High Court ruling to a 2014 Department of Trade and Industry review – have all rejected attempts to resurrect it.

Now, yet again, calls for the legalisation of these exploitative practices have resurfaced. In August 2025, the AHA demanded revisions to a wide range of laws, including environmental and animal welfare legislation such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (APA), respectively. Alongside the South African Dog Racing Association (SADRA) and GFA, the AHA argues for legalisation on the grounds of economic benefit, job creation, and the promotion of culture and tradition.

These claims hide a harsher truth: a small, elite group profits while dogs pay the price. The AHA even went as far as to propose that it should become the sole legally authorised body for hunting with dogs, with exclusive rights to both hunt with dogs on state-owned land and breed hunting dogs, all of which is to supposedly be funded by the greyhound racing industry.

The NSPCA fully respects cultural practices and economic opportunities that protect both people and animals and do not involve cruelty. Our opposition is to practices that deliberately inflict suffering.

The association attempts to allay animal welfare concerns by suggesting that when hunting, dogs would remain restrained until a “target” is identified, that hunting seasons would be regulated, and that only a select number of licenses to hunt would be issued annually. It further calls for organisations such as the NSPCA, which they term “unauthorised”, to immediately cease their “harassment.”

Cruelty is inherent in these practices. Dogs used for racing and hunting are frequently deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary treatment. These activities contribute to overbreeding and overpopulation, and they contravene the APA, which prohibits baiting or inciting one animal to attack another. The dogs used in hunting will decimate the prey species, leading to the depletion of our natural fauna.

It is not only the dogs that suffer: the prey animals often endure the worst cruelty. Frequently, the dogs do not kill instantly, leaving the targeted animal to experience prolonged pain before being killed – sometimes by brutal beating.

“We cannot use the facade of tradition and job creation to justify what is ultimately the deliberate and cruel commodification and exploitation of animals,” says Grace de Lange, the NSPCA’s Chief Operations Officer. “These lucrative activities only benefit the human patrons. The welfare of the dogs and the preservation of the prey species are at significant risk.”

The NSPCA has submitted an urgent letter to the Office of the Presidency, and the Department of Agriculture, strongly opposing the application by the AHA to legalise these unethical and inhumane practices, which are in direct conflict with South Africa’s animal protection laws and the NSPCA’s legal mandate to prevent cruelty. This mandate is not a matter of opinion: the NSPCA is fulfilling its statutory duty under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (APA) to investigate, prevent and act against cruelty to animals.

We call on all South Africans to stand with the NSPCA in rejecting these attempts to legalise cruelty and to support the protection and welfare of the dogs and the wild animals they are forced to hunt.

Source: NSPCA

Woolrich: Still Ignoring Animal Cruelty

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© FOUR PAWS | Fred Dott

Woolrich: Still Ignoring Animal Cruelty

The last big outdoor brand to sell fur from raccoon dogs and other species – Will Woolrich’s Arctic Parkas soon be without animal fur?

Woolrich is one of the last international fashion brands without a fur-free policy even though most of its competitors – including Canada Goose, The North Face, Parajumpers, Patagonia, Fjällräven, MAMMUT, Jack Wolfskin and Napapijri – are already or have gone fur-free. Fur production is cruel to animals, bad for the environment, a risk to public health and completely unnecessary since quality alternatives are available.

URGE WOOLRICH TO GO FUR FREE

While the Italian brand offers a wide range of clothing, their parkas are the only items with fur. They use fur from raccoon dogs, coyotes and foxes as trim for the hoods of their parkas – even for children’s jackets. Woolrich purchases most fur from Finnish auction house Saga Furs, which prides itself with only selling fur coming from certified farms. But the voluntary certification scheme of the European fur industry (WelFur) is designed around the cruel cage system that we all know. Animals on Saga certified fur farms endure a short life in tiny wire mesh cages without opportunities to fulfil their basic needs. Only to be inhumanely killed after a few months and end up as trim on a Woolrich parka.  

And it’s not just farms. In North America, wild animals like coyotes are caught in brutal traps that rarely cause immediate death and result in immense pain and stress before the animals are killed by either drowning, suffocation or bludgeoning.  

The cruel devices do not discriminate. Pets, deer and countless other animals are often maimed or killed simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and many suffer for days without food or water before dying.

The truth is simple: every fur product is rooted in animal suffering.  

While Woolrich emphasises its sustainability efforts, they fail to address the environmental impact of using animal fur for fashion. While the fur industry try to position fur as a sustainable product, in truth the practice has a severe impact on our environment, especially on ecosystems close to fur farms. Keeping thousands of animals on fur farms requires many resources: water, feed, and energy. The accumulating animal waste often drains into local soil and waterways, polluting both. 

But there’s also good news – fashion is evolving. More and more iconic brands and retailers are embracing cruelty-free style by going fur-free. You don’t need fur to make a statement – your values are your boldest accessory.

 

Warriors Against Dog Fighting

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Warriors Against Dogfighting

Dog fighting and the barbaric cruelty and immense suffering involved in this criminal activity receive our focused attention. In striving to address this growing crime, a multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted which encompasses taking action against perpetrators, rescuing the animal victims who suffer severe injuries and trauma and empowering affected communities through awareness campaigns and the distribution of literature.

Our Special Projects Unit is committed to bringing those involved to justice and to vigorously pursuing all who partake in or support dog fighting.

Join as a warrior against dog fighting and help stamp out abusive cruelty to animals.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

VIEW ALL PROJECTS

Source: SPCA

What’s next in the fight to Stop Live Export

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What’s next in the fight to Stop Live Export

THE VOTES ARE IN

and South Africans want better for our animals!

17,536 individuals and organisations submitted comments on the draft live export regulations, with a staggering 95% of respondents believing that Live Export cannot be regulated and should be banned.

A big thank you to all of our supporters who submitted their comments to government and helped to spread the word, we could not have done it without you!
 
WHAT’S NEXT

The Department of Agriculture will review and analyse all the submissions received and prepare a “Response to Comments” report.

A revised version of the regulations may be drafted to incorporate reasonable or necessary changes.

The regulations will then undergo legal scrutiny by the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser, before the Minister formally approves the final version, which will then be gazetted.

Due to the large volume of comments received, we anticipate that this process will take several months

IN THE MEANTIME

We will continue our media campaigns to keep public pressure on government and ensure the consultation process is taken seriously.

The vast majority of South Africans have spoken clearly: live animal exports by sea must be banned, and government must listen!

Source: Stop Live Export South Africa

Dog Fighting: More than the Abuse of Dogs

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Dog Fighting: More than the Abuse of Dogs

Dog fighting conjures up images of cruelty, animal suffering, and greed – but that’s not the full picture. To that, add crime, gangsterism, violence, and drugs, and then the realities of dog fighting become clearer. 

It’s a problem of dangerous, disturbing proportions: people who flout animal protection laws flout other laws, too – just as those who violently hurt animals have no problem with violence towards people, too.

As dog fighting is illegal, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA works with the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement (Animal Control Unit) to enforce the law and educate communities about the harms of dog fighting and ways to spot it and report it.

This work pays off, as we saw in March when our Inspectors responded to a tip-off about youngsters inciting their dogs to fight – a regular occurrence, according to the Lotus River resident who reported the matter.

Young people become desensitised to animal suffering by witnessing dog fighting in their communities and imitating it with their own dogs. Numerous studies have also identified how animal abuse is often linked to child abuse and gender-based violence – two of the greatest societal ills in South Africa.

Please help us keep up the pressure to end dog fighting by supporting our anti-dog fighting campaigns. It takes teamwork and a united front to dismantle a secretive system that operates in the shadows of our communities – and in the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Source: SPCA

Submit your call to BAN Live Animal Export now!

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Submit your call to BAN Live Animal Export now!

THE MOMENT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR HAS ARRIVED!

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD FOR OUR ANIMALS!

Thank you for previously taking the time to write a letter to the Minister of Agriculture calling for a ban on the export of live animals by sea.

Despite your appeal, and the appeals of many others, on the 11th of July 2025, our Minister of Agriculture released the draft Regulations for the Export of Live Animals by Sea, a deeply disappointing attempt to legitimise and prolong a trade that is inherently cruel and inhumane.
We know, and the evidence shows, that no amount of regulation can make this practice humane. It is not a matter of better oversight; it is a matter of fundamental animal welfare. The very nature of long-distance live export by sea causes immense and unavoidable suffering.

We ask you to please take a few moments to submit your comments on the draft regulations, and to CALL FOR A TOTAL BAN. The easiest way to submit your comments is via our campaign on the DearSA platform.

Those who wish to submit more detailed comments, may do so by following the instructions linked here.

It would also be hugely impactful if you would share this with your family and friends, and urge them to submit comments too. We need to stand together to end this cruelty for these helpless beings.

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS : 25 AUGUST 12PM

Your support at this critical time would mean so much, not only to us, but to the countless animals whose lives hang in the balance.

Source: Cape Animal Welfare Forum

Professor Convicted of Animal Cruelty Following Discovery of Starving Captive Lions

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Professor Convicted of Animal Cruelty Following Discovery of Starving Captive Lions

Professor Thabo Masihlelo has been convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to a R5,000 fine or 10 months’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years, on condition that he does not re-offend.

In 2023, the National Council of SPCAs’ (NSPCA) Wildlife Protection Unit (WPU) conducted an inspection at Masihlelo’s farm in Tweeling, Free State. They discovered several lions in varying stages of starvation, which highlighted the severe neglect they had been subjected to.

Although Masihlelo claimed to breed captive lions under the guise of supporting conservation efforts in South Africa, he had failed to meet even the most basic requirement of feeding the animals. Lions, severely emaciated with visible ribs, spines, and hip bones, were left to endure prolonged starvation.

In May 2023, the NSPCA’s WPU laid criminal charges against Masihlelo in terms of the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962. The NSPCA is pleased to confirm that on 9 April 2025, the Frankfort Magistrate’s Court found the accused guilty of contravening the APA and handed down the sentence.

The starvation and abuse of the lions in Masihlelo’s so-called “care” is a stark reminder of the lack of regard for the welfare of captive lions. While the captive lion industry continues to promote a narrative of conservation, this case further supports the NSPCA’s longstanding concerns about the true nature of the industry.

“Of course, we would prefer much stricter penalties for crimes against animals,” said Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, Manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit. “Nonetheless, this successful conviction sends a clear message that we will not tolerate animal cruelty in any form.”

Lions

The NSPCA remains committed to exposing and challenging the captive lion industry, which is plagued by unregulated breeding, canned hunting, the lion bone trade, and exploitative practices such as cub petting.

Captive lions are frequently confined to small, overcrowded enclosures without adequate shelter or veterinary care. Many suffer from poor nutrition and unhygienic conditions. These animals are deprived of any semblance of a natural life and are instead condemned to ongoing abuse and neglect.

The NSPCA continues to play a vital role in preventing the suffering endured by animals like these in captive breeding facilities.

Source: NSPCA

Local Man Arrested for Unlicensed Veterinary Procedures and Animal Cruelty in Hanover Park

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Local Man Arrested for Unlicensed Veterinary Procedures and Animal Cruelty in Hanover Park

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA conducted an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty involving Mr. Jamie Pieterse from K9 Patrol Pet Army, a non-profit organisation purporting to enhance animal care. This organisation solicits public donations to fund its activities.

The investigation was initiated after Jamie allegedly treated a severely injured dog in Hanover Park using inappropriate methods. Reports indicate that he used super glue and aloe to address a dog’s torn ear without cleaning the wound or administering any form of pain relief or antibiotics, a method not aligned with accepted veterinary standards. It is also important to note that Jamie is not registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to perform any veterinary procedures.

SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened upon notification of the incident, ensuring that the dog received proper veterinary care. The dog is currently under treatment at the SPCA Hospital.

Veterinary

The investigation into Jamie was strengthened by video footage captured during the incident, which shows the distressing treatment of the injured dog. In the video, the dog can be heard crying in pain as it was restrained and its mouth held shut while Jamie applied super glue to its ear. The footage, which visibly documents the dog’s suffering, has played a crucial role in highlighting the inappropriate and unlawful veterinary care provided by Jamie. This evidence has been instrumental in pursuing charges of animal cruelty and illegal veterinary practice.

Veterinary

Watch the Full Video as Shared by the Creator Here.

Following the incident, Jamie was arrested with the assistance of the Kirstenhof SAPS and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement.

He faces charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act and for unlawfully undertaking veterinary procedures without being registered in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act.

Veterinary

This case highlights the importance of professional veterinary care and the risks associated with untrained individuals attempting medical treatments on animals.

The public is advised to exercise caution and verify the credentials of organisations and individuals claiming to assist animals, ensuring that their operations conform to legal and professional standards.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA