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World Animal Day 2025: “Save Animals, Save the Planet!”

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© FOUR PAWS

World Animal Day 2025: “Save Animals, Save the Planet!”

Use the FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide to take small steps of Kindness this World Animal Day

On 4 October, South Africans will join the global community in celebrating World Animal Day, a time to pause and reflect on the animals who share our lives, our land and our homes. This year’s theme “Save Animals, Save the Planet!”, reminds us that animals are not just part of our environment, but part of our communities and caring for them is our shared responsibility.

 Instead of a physical gathering outside Parliament this year, FOUR PAWS is calling on individuals, schools, organisations, and communities across the country to mark the day in their own way, using the Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide for a Kinder World. This guide is a simple, practical tool that helps South Africans advocate for stronger animal protection laws while making more compassionate choices in everyday life.

 From our wildlife in the Kruger National Park to our beloved dogs and cats in our townships, this year’s theme honours all animals, wild, farm and companion as rightful co-inhabitants of our land. The day is a gentle reminder for us that highlights urgent issues like wildlife exploitation, factory farming, and the safe and humane care of stray animals. World Animal Day inspires us to respect animals’ rights to live freely and safely and to push for stronger protections in law and practice.

 The Advocacy Guide: Your Toolkit for Change

The Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide, launched by FOUR PAWS South Africa, offers:

  • Steps to engage with local and national government.
  • Templates for letters and petitions.
  • Tips for hosting awareness events in your community.
  • Guidance on ethical choices in food, fashion, and travel (#LiveKinder, #EatKinder, #WearItKind & #TravelKind).

 Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS shares: “Making animal welfare a focal point of our purpose is a powerful way to create positive change for animals, whether through daily acts of kindness or broader lifestyle adjustments. Small, committed actions truly matter, and with a collective effort, we can build a future where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve”.

World Animal Day is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of Ubuntu, reminding us that our humanity is deeply connected to how we treat all living beings. This year, let us recommit to building a South Africa where animals are treated with respect, empathy and understanding.

The Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide is available for download here. Like, follow and tag us at FOUR PAWS South Africa with your activities for the day. For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za

Source: FOUR PAWS

2025 State of Animal Welfare Address Urges Government to Integrate Animal Welfare into One Health Framework

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2025 State of Animal Welfare Address Urges Government to Integrate Animal Welfare into One Health Framework

Online event spotlights need to include companion, farm, and wild animals in South Africa’s public health, food security, and biodiversity agendas

Calls for urgent policy reform to recognise animal welfare as central to South Africa’s development echoed through the 2025 State of Animal Welfare Address (#SOAWA), hosted by FOUR PAWS South Africa and livestreamed to a global audience on 13 August 2025.

 The annual high-level platform brought together leaders in government, academia, and civil society to explore the role of animal welfare in building a just, resilient, and sustainable South Africa. This year’s theme focused on the welfare of companion, farm, and wild animals — key sectors often overlooked in national One Health strategies.

 “We cannot speak of public health, environmental justice, or sustainable food systems without addressing the systemic neglect of animals,” said Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, in her keynote. “It is time to mainstream animal welfare into our national development strategy – not as a luxury, but as a necessity for resilience, justice, and health.”

 Dr André Coetzer, Technical Director at the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), highlighted how failing to protect the welfare of dogs and cats undermines South Africa’s disease control efforts. “Neglecting the welfare of companion animals weakens our national capacity to prevent deadly zoonoses like rabies. Mass vaccination and sterilisation are not just ethical – they’re scientifically proven and cost-effective tools to save lives.”

Dr Masika Sophie, Global Health Policy Manager at the World Federation for Animals (WFA), warned against ignoring the links between industrial farming and public health risks. “Factory farming is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic outbreaks, and food insecurity. We must reimagine Africa’s food systems by putting animal welfare at the centre of resilience and sustainability.”

 Speaking on the urgent need to reform South Africa’s captive wildlife industry, Miles reiterated: “The commodification of wild animals, especially big cats, is both unethical and dangerous. It undermines our international conservation standing and creates serious public health threats. Ending these exploitative practices must be a national priority.”

 Moderated by Dr Tedson Nkoana, Academic Project Coordinator at Future Africa, the panel discussion explored how South Africa’s One Health Action Plan can become more inclusive and effective by integrating animal welfare as a foundational pillar. “We need cross-sector collaboration between health, agriculture, and environment departments. Policy coherence is essential to pandemic prevention and long-term national resilience,” said Dr Nkoana.

 “Animal welfare is not a fringe issue; it is essential to our nation’s well-being. It affects our food, environment, health, and shared values. It must be moved from the margins into policy, budgets, science, and our collective vision for a just South Africa. While much work remains, we are no longer in the dark. Together, we can build a future where every life matters and no animal suffers in silence,” said Miles.

“To government officials, we need champions across Parliament and key ministries to lead and embed animal welfare within the One Health framework and to our fellow NGOs, we must be proactive, strategic and united. Let us coordinate our asks and build bridges to government. South Africa has the opportunity and the responsibility to lead globally by building a humane, healthy, and sustainable future,” Miles concluded.

To learn more about The State of Animal Welfare Address visit www.four-paws.org.za

Source: Four Paws

FOUR PAWS South Africa Welcomes Carishma Basday as Newest Ambassador

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FOUR

© FOUR PAWS

FOUR PAWS South Africa Welcomes Carishma Basday as Newest Ambassador

A long-time advocate for kindness and compassion, seeking to raise awareness about animal welfare issues.

Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is thrilled to announce South African actress, activist, and holistic healer Carishma Basday as its newest ambassador. A passionate advocate for kindness and compassion, Basday’s lifelong dedication to animal welfare aligns perfectly with FOUR PAWS’ mission to create a world where animals are treated with respect, empathy and understanding.

Basday, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, has long used her platform to inspire positive change. From her critically acclaimed performances on screen to her work as a healer and educator through The Feminine Flourish, Basday embodies a holistic approach to life—one that champions both human and animal well-being.

“Animals are not just beings we share this planet with—they are our teachers, healers, and companions,” says Basday. “Protecting them is not just an act of kindness; it’s an act of honouring the interconnectedness of all life. Together, we can create a world where compassion is our greatest legacy.”

Basday’s passion for animals began in childhood, where she spent much of her time rescuing strays and volunteering at her local vet. Her commitment to animal welfare has only grown stronger, and now, as a FOUR PAWS ambassador, she aims to amplify the organisation’s work in advocating for animals in need.

“When I discovered the work of FOUR PAWS, their mission resonated with my core values—compassion, care, and the belief that all living beings deserve dignity and kindness,” Carishma explains. “Becoming a FOUR PAWS ambassador is my way of standing in solidarity with an organisation that works tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation. This isn’t just a cause for me; it’s a calling.”

FOUR PAWS South Africa Director, Fiona Miles, welcomes Carishma with great enthusiasm, stating, “Carishma’s authenticity and deep-rooted love for animals make her a powerful advocate for our cause. Her voice will help raise awareness about the urgent need to protect animals and promote a more compassionate world. We are incredibly excited to have her on board and look forward to working together to make a lasting impact.”

As part of her ambassadorship, Carishma will support FOUR PAWS campaigns and initiatives, raising awareness about the importance of ethical treatment of animals, sustainable living, and the vital role individuals can play in creating a kinder world.

Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations between FOUR PAWS and Carishma Basday in 2025 as we continue to champion the cause of animal welfare together.

For more information, please visit our website: www.four-paws.org.za

Source: FOUR PAWS