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Sanctuary for discarded, injured elephants

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International animal welfare organisation Four Paws has started the construction of one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in South-East Asia for former working elephants in Myanmar.

Former logging elephants, as well as orphaned or injured animals, will be rehabilitated at the new facility to be called Elephants Lake.

Four Paws said export bans and logging restrictions in Myanmar had rendered “jobless” about 1000 elephants, which had been working in the teak industry.

For decades, the abused animals have been wandering with lumberjacks through Myanmar’s forests to assist with felling and to carry heavy tree trunks.

To prevent the now unemployed animals from being killed or having to endure being tourist attractions, Four Paws has started the construction of the sanctuary.

In the 17-000 hectare facility in the Bago Region, vets and experts will rehabilitate the elephants and prepare them for a life of freedom.

Construction began at the start of this month, and the first animals are expected to move into the elephant sanctuary by the end of this year.

Four Paws vet and head of the pilot project Dr Amir Khalil said: “For their owners, the elephants are now useless and on top of that a financial burden. The animals are therefore either killed or sold to the tourism industry.

“Unfortunately, elephant riding is still a fun holiday activity for a lot of people. These magnificent, endangered animals do not deserve death or an equally cruel career change.”

At the sanctuary, the animals could recover from the exertions of their past and, ideally, be reintroduced to the wild, Khalil said.

The population of Asian elephants, the second largest land animal in the world, has more than halved in recent decades, according to International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

There are only 2000 wild elephants left in Myanmar.

Four Paws said the sanctuary aimed to bring together new prides and subsequently release the animals into the adjacent North Zar Ma Yi Forest Reserve.

If this is not possible any more, the elephants can stay in the sanctuary for the rest of their lives.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry provided the land, while state-owned forestry organisation Myanmar Timber Enterprise will place the elephants.

Four Paws president and founder Heli Dungler said: “Our elephant sanctuary is a pioneer project in terms of conservation of animals and forests. In the long term, together with our local partners, we hope to create new, higher standards for animal welfare and eco-friendly tourism.

Depending on the rainy season, we aim to move in the first five to six elephants in late 2018. Over the next 10 years, up to 300 elephants are planned to be rehabilitated at Elephants Lake.”

According to Four Paws South Africa director Fiona Miles, latest estimates show that we have over 120 elephants held in captivity at facilities around the country.

“These animals are utilised for a variety of entertainment activities, such as elephant back safari’s and circuses.

Despite growing pressure only a few of these facilities has shown any willingness to cease these activities.

“The animals are continually subjected to brutal training methods and kept in enclosed areas completely foreign to their natural habitat.

“Added to this is increasing instances of poaching and human encroachment on traditional territory all pointing to a species under growing threat We need to act now to protect our elephant populations from exploitation,” she said.

Source: www.iol.co.za

Ai Weiwei calls attention to plight of Myanmar’s ‘jobless’ timber elephants

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Artist Ai Weiwei has visited elephant camps in Myanmar, where efforts to reduce logging have created new dangers for more than 1,000 “jobless” timber elephants.

Elephants have been used in Myanmar’s timber industry for decades, work that has seen the creatures drag heavy logs through forests.

However, animal-protection organisation Four Paws said a ban on timber exports meant many working elephants were now “jobless” and viewed as a financial burden.

Many have been chained up in camps, while others are being smuggled out of the country for use in the tourism industry. Some are also being abandoned or killed.

Ai Weiwei visited several camps with Four Paws workers, and posted videos on Instagram of what he saw.

In a video posted by Four Paws, the artist said the elephants’ living conditions were far from what he expected.

“I feel it’s a creature, it’s a human being itself, and we know very little about it,” he said.

“I can feel its full emotion and intelligence. Unfortunately it has been put in this kind of position by humans, which is not right but also not fair.

“They deserve to live in freedom, but have always been mistreated. Let them be free … We have to understand we are human by doing something nice for other species, otherwise we fail as a human being.”

In one video posted on Instagram, Ai Weiwei captured a young elephant in one of the camps being poked and struck in the head with a stick.

Sanctuary under construction

Myanmar’s nationwide, one-year ban on timber exports was lifted in April 2016.

However logging resumed at a reduced level, and a decade-long ban in the Bago Yoma Hills in central Myanmar also remained in effect, leaving elephants in that area out of work.

In response to this, Four Paws is constructing one of South-East Asia’s largest elephant sanctuaries in the Bago region.

Known as Elephants Lake, it will cover an area of 17,000 hectares and have veterinarians and other experts on staff to care for former working elephants, as well as injured or orphaned wild elephants.

The animals will later be released into the nearby North Zar Ma Yi Forest Reserve.

Source: NZ City

Lions bred just to be killed, say animal welfare organisations on World Animal Day

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Lions bred

Animal protection organisations Humane Society International (HSI)/Africa and FOUR PAWS South Africa join forces this World Animal Day with a roaring call to protect lions in South Africa from tourist exploitation.

The organisations are urging travellers, travel guides and tour operators to fight lion exploitation by refusing to participate in or promote human-lion interactions, such as cub bottle-feeding or petting, walking with lions or canned trophy hunting.

HSI/Africa and FOUR PAWS urge tourists to support ethical sanctuaries and wildlife game drives instead as a natural and cruelty-free alternative to see lions roaming freely in their natural habitat. Ethical tourists can also sign a petition hsi.org/snugglescam and take the #lionlongevityoath.

South Africa has an estimated 8 000 to 11 000 captive-bred lions held in more than 260 lion farms across the country, journalists were told at the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary outside Bethlehem, Free State, on Thursday, ahead of World Animal Day on Friday. 

These lions suffer from a vicious cycle of exploitation, from birth to death.

Unsuspecting visitors are often fooled into supporting and funding what HSI/Africa and FOUR PAWS call the “snuggle scam” by paying for selfie photo opportunities, including petting and bottle-feeding with very young lion cubs, or walking experiences with captive older lions.

Shot as trophies

These lions are eventually offered to be shot as trophies or slaughtered in masses to meet the demand of the international lion-bone trade.    

Audrey Delsink, wildlife director of HSI/Africa, said: “Most people come to South Africa because they love lions and other wild animals. They would be shocked to learn that the cute lion cubs they pose with for selfies will one day be killed for profit as trophies or bogus medicines.

“Lack of awareness of the suffering behind every cub photo or pay-to-pet experience, is one of the biggest drivers of this industry that ultimately ends with lions being sold to canned hunts to be shot by trophy hunters and their bones destined for the lion bone trade in Asia.

“We are thrilled to work with FOUR PAWS South Africa to raise awareness of the ‘snuggle scam’, to urge people to stay away from these facilities, and instead to see these magnificent animals in the wild where they belong.”

In the wild, lion cubs remain with their mothers for 18 months, and adult females don’t produce another litter for at least 15 to 24 months after giving birth.

By contrast, cubs born on breeding farms are taken from their mothers when they are just a few days or even hours old, forcing the mother into an exhausting and continuous breeding cycle.

These captive breeding females are incarcerated in enclosures their entire lives, sometimes without adequate food, hygiene or the ability to express their natural behaviours.

The cubs are hand-reared by volunteers from around the globe paying thousands of dollars who are misled into believing the cubs are orphans. 

Public pressure needed

Fiona Miles, director of FOUR PAWS in South Africa, said: “It is time for all of us to realise the part we play in the welfare of animals – especially in the instance of lions.

“We are happy to join forces with HSI/Africa and encourage tourists not to feed the cruel industry of captive breeding exploitation. We need the public’s help to end the #BigCatScam by vowing never to participate in any activity that exploits lions for commercial purposes.

“The FOUR PAWS project LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary provides a true ethical experience, where no interaction or breeding is allowed. We provide a lifelong home for previously captive-bred and rescued big cats from across the globe, with more than 100 of these iconic animals in our care.”

Journalists were introduced to a number of big cats rescued from all over the world, including a male cheetah called Sasha, who has three legs. After his mother was poached, the infant Sasha was released into the wild, but, not having been taught how to hunt, he took on a wildebeest and ended up crushing his leg in the encounter.

It has since been amputated, and Sasha now spends his days at LIONSROCK, where he runs across his enclosure with incredible speed at feeding time – despite the loss of his leg. 

The South African government sanctions the captive lion breeding industry and has established an export quota for the international lion bone trade, despite growing global outrage.

In August this year, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria declared the South African government’s 2017 and 2018 lion bone export quotas “unlawful and constitutionally invalid”.

South Africa is a popular tourist destination that welcomed approximately 10.3 million foreign tourists and facilitated 17.2 million domestic tourism trips in 2017 (South Africa Tourism Report 2017).

The top 10 tourist arrivals in South Africa are from the UK, US, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Australia, India, China, Brazil and Canada.

Key facts

  • Only about 20 000 lions remain in the wild in Africa.
  • Between 8 000 to 11 000 captive-bred lions are in captivity in some 260 facilities across South Africa, marketed to tourists as lion interaction experiences.
  • With fewer than 3 000 wild lions, South Africa has more lions languishing in captivity than in the wild.
  • Lions are a threatened species, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
  • While the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora prohibits the trade of bones from wild lions, it does allow South Africa to export bones from captive ones. It is impossible to differentiate body parts from wild versus captive lions, so the legal export of captive lion bones facilitates the illegal export of wild lion bones.

Source: News 24

Are you dressed to kill or do you kill to dress?

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dressed

Are you dressed to kill or do you kill to dress?

This article is a reprint from 16 November 2022.

Your guide to “WEARING IT KIND” because together we can FIX fashion and PREVENT animal cruelty.

Animal cruelty comes in many forms and you might, unknowingly, be contributing to it by supporting certain practices, and industries, and buying certain beauty products or certain clothing items. Last week we looked at the products you use and the testing of those products on animals during the manufacturing process.

This week we will look at your wardrobe and whether it is cruelty-free. With so many animal-friendly options available, and more on the market every day, it’s never been easier to have a cruelty-free wardrobe. Use the WEAR IT KIND GUIDE from FOUR PAWS to find out how you can show more compassion in fashion.

dressed

IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!
(by FOUR PAWS)

  1. Look for more sustainable plant-based fibers like organic or recycled cotton and hemp – these fabrics are gentle on the planet and can be found in so many fashion items.
  2. Go for products made from waste! Discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, recycled polyester, and even used coffee grinds are being made into versatile, durable, and luxurious fabrics turning one of the world’s greatest problems – consumer waste – into one of its best solutions!
  3. Love pre-loved! Wearing it Kind doesn’t have to break the bank. Try the 80:20 rule – 80% pre-loved and 20% new and kind.
  4. Be a protector of oceans, rivers, and lakes every time you wash! Use a washing bag in your machine to capture nasty microfibres and put a stop to harmful microplastic pollution.
  5. Speak up! Already have a favourite brand you wish was doing more? Let them know! Your voice may be just the motivation they need to make their products better for animals, people, and the planet.

dressed

LET’S LOOK AT SOME ITEMS IN YOUR WARDROBE
OUTDOOR & ACTIVEWEAR

More people are wearing outdoor and activewear than ever before but, while it may be practical and super comfortable for us, it can have disastrous impacts on animals and the environment. That is unless we Wear it Kind. By choosing recycled plastic, you’ll not only look fabulous, but you’ll also feel fabulous in the knowledge that you’re helping to clean up our oceans and earth! 

Look for items made from recycled plastics like Econyl – a warm, adaptable, and innovative product made entirely from the ocean and landfill waste! It’s made by recycling industrial plastic, fabric scraps, and discarded or lost fishing nets. Once abandoned at sea, these ‘ghost nets,’ last indefinitely, trapping and killing animals such as turtles and dolphins.

COATS & KNITWEAR

Recycled polyester, hemp, and organic or recycled cotton are great options here. If you want the look and feel of cashmere, but without the cruelty, go no further than vegetable cashmere, a revolutionary product made from soy pulp, a by-product of tofu production.

For those choosing to continue to wear wool, at minimum ensure it is mulesed wool-free, and don’t forget what’s inside the coat, Primaloft® is a great alternative to down for keeping you warm!

Mulesing is a cruel practice in which lambs have large strips of skin cut away from their buttocks without necessary pain relief. For a long time, this happened because of the (wrong) assumption that a sheep produces more wool if it has more skin folds. Check out the Brands Against Mulesing list to see which brands are taking a stand against mulesing.

dressed

SHOES, BELTS & HANDBAGS

The range of animal-friendly leather alternatives on the market is growing all the time, here are just a few of the fantastic plant-based options now available.

  • Piñatex is a durable, leather-look product made using pineapple leaves. Developed in Italy, this material is growing in popularity with designers, retailers, and customers alike, and, in 2019, department store H&M released a range of boots and jackets using Pinatex and other sustainable materials.
  • Apple leather – another innovative product to hit the market. Made from the leftovers from apple harvesting, apple leather is strong, hypoallergenic, and 100% biodegradable.
  • Mushroom, or mycelium, leather is another new kid on the block that could be set to change the future of fashion. While it’s a relatively new technology, prototype mycelium leather bags, belts, and other accessories were released in 2019 and we could soon see a lot more of them.
  • For coffee lovers, there could soon be another way to enjoy the bean we love so much! Pioneered by a German company, Nat-2, coffee leather will turn a waste product from the global coffee market into a versatile and sustainable alternative to animal leather.
  • Cork is another more sustainable alternative that not only looks great and performs well but is gentle on the earth. It’s no surprise that a growing number of brands are turning to cork for their designs and more of it is appearing on our shelves.

And this is just the beginning of an ever-expanding list! With more humane alternatives reaching the market all the time, keep a look out for leather made from coconuts, cactus, and teak leaves, just to name a few.

dressed

BASICS AND WARM WEATHER

  • Linen has long been an ethical choice for the fashion-conscious. It has strong sustainability credentials and, unlike many clothes available in stores today, it can be worn time and time again and still look great!
  • Lyocell and modal fabrics, generally known by the brand name Tencel, are a newer alternative. Made by processing wood pulp, lyocell, and model fabrics are super soft and resist wrinkling.
  • Microsilk is a revolutionary product that captures the unique properties of silk without harm to any animal. By studying the way spiders spin silk fibers, Bolt Threads, the creators of Microsilk, have imitated nature to create stunning fabrics favoured by ethical fashion designers such as Stella McCartney.
  • When looking for hats that offer sun protection while looking great with any outfit, look no further than jute, straw, and organic cotton. These three materials are versatile, durable, and kind to the plant.

Find brands that are kind to all living beings via our friends at the brand rating platform Good On You.

The demand for ethical fashion is higher than ever! Animal-friendly fashion helps us to #LiveKinder because we don’t need to harm animals to look good. You can help, by taking the pledge and demonstrating the huge support for animal-friendly and sustainable fashion! Will you WEAR IT KIND? You can sign the pledge here.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

4 Oct 2024 is World Animal Day!

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Animal

4 Oct 2024 is World Animal Day!

World Animal Day exists to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe. It’s a day of celebration for animal lovers like you and me everywhere. On October 4, it’s our chance to mobilise into a global force, to take action against animal cruelty, neglect and unfair treatment and make the world a better place for all animals.

Why October 4?

Well, it’s the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, so what could be more fitting?

How can you support World Animal Day?

Global Animal Welfare Organisation, Four Paws, will be gathering outside Parliament in Cape Town on 4 October, for their “Bring Animal Welfare to Parliament” event, which will run from 09h30 – 13h00 (note you do not need to stay for the duration). Stop Live Export SA will be attending this event and we’d love you, our supporters, to join us.

Click here to register (it’s free). Bring “Stop Live Animal Export” banners with if possible.

Source: STOP LIVE EXPORT

Animal Welfare Organisations Collaborate to Help Communities in need with Sustainable Animal Population Control

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Animal Welfare Organisations Collaborate to Help Communities in need with Sustainable Animal Population Control

FOUR PAWS launches mass sterilisation drive for companion animals in the Western Cape.

Cape Town, 23 October 2024 – FOUR PAWS South Africa, announces the launch of its mass sterilisation drive for companion animals. The initiative focuses on addressing the overpopulation of dogs in under-resourced communities in the Western Cape. In collaboration with Sidewalk Specials, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), and Mdzananda Animal Clinic, FOUR PAWS aims to sterilise 600 dogs between October 2024 and January 2025, improving animal welfare and contributing to sustainable population control.

In many under-resourced communities, overpopulation of companion animals, especially dogs, continues to strain local communities and negatively impact animal welfare. “With this mass sterilisation drive, FOUR PAWS will address these issues head-on by collaborating with key local animal welfare organisations. This campaign aligns with FOUR PAWS’ broader goal of protecting animals and ensuring humane treatment through preventative measures like sterilisation,” said Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

FOUR PAWS will work alongside three other animal welfare organisations, each focusing on specific communities in need to make the largest possible impact:

  • Sidewalk Specials: Focused in De Doorns and surrounding communities, Sidewalk Specials will sterilise 300 dogs and cats between November 2024 and January 2025.
  • PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals): Targeting Bridgetown and Athlone in Cape Town, PDSA will sterilise 147 animals from October to November 2024.
  • Mdzananda Animal Clinic: Operating in Khayelitsha, Mdzananda Animal Clinic aims to sterilise 159 animals from November2024.

Together, FOUR PAWS and its partners will contribute to the overall goal of sterilising 600 dogs by the end of January 2025, addressing the overpopulation crisis in a meaningful and lasting way. Making a tangible and long-lasting impact on animal welfare in the Western Cape. The success of this mass sterilisation drive hinges on the support of compassionate donors and animal advocates. With the collaboration of Sidewalk Specials, PDSA, and Mdzananda Animal Clinic, the campaign will not only address the immediate needs of overpopulation but will also improve the overall health and welfare of companion animals in these under-served communities. Each animal receiving sterilisation will also receive a safe collar, rabies vaccination, dewormer and tick and flea treatment and some of the dogs will receive a 5-in-1 vaccination all aimed at improving the overall health of the pets and communities, and treatment of any other health issues encountered during this drive will also be prioritised.  

Miles emphasises the significance of the campaign, “mass sterilisation efforts are vital to break the cycle of overpopulation, particularly in areas with limited resources. By working together, we can improve the welfare of these animals and give hope to communities struggling to care for them. We invite all animal lovers to support this crucial campaign as we strive to create lasting change.”

FOUR PAWS’ mass sterilisation drive is an urgent and impactful initiative that will make a significant difference in the lives of companion animals and the communities in the Western Cape. This initiative highlights the organisation’s commitment to protecting animals through proactive and humane interventions. With the support of donors and advocates, FOUR PAWS and its partners will be able to fulfil their mission of improving the lives of 600 animals by early 2025, creating healthier and more sustainable communities.

For more information or to support the campaign, please visit FOUR PAWS South Africa.

Source: FOUR PAWS South Africa

FOUR PAWS’ Summer Pet Care Tips

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Pet

FOUR PAWS’ Summer Pet Care Tips

Take a look at our essential tips to keep your pet happy, healthy, and protected over the summer

The South African summer heat is here and the warmer it gets the more important it becomes to prioritise your pet’s safety. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS offers useful tips to help pet owners avoid problems with their animals so they can enjoy the hot, sunny days together.

“Your pets have specific needs just like you, and there are a few basic things that one should always remember when dealing with pets.” says Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS director South Africa.

Pet

Take extra care of your dog in the heat as serious cardiovascular complications could lead to heatstroke. Dogs are at risk of sunburn at areas where they have no hair such as their nose and ears. Always ensure you have fresh drinking water available for your dog especially on outings and take regular breaks particularly if your dog is older. Strenuous activities with your dog such as jogging and cycling should be done during the cool of the morning or evening. Avoid hot stones and asphalt by doing the “seven-second test’’. Hold the back of your hand for seven seconds on the pavement. If you cannot hold out for the full seven seconds because the surface is too hot, then neither can your dog’s paws. Never leave your dog unattended in the car on a hot summer day. Dogs die in hot cars.

Cats will usually find a shady spot for themselves in the hot weather, so they may be in less danger than dogs but keep an eye on them. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh drinking water. Get rid of any uneaten food quickly as it will go off in the heat. Smaller mammals require constant access to fresh water in the heat. Ensure that animals in outdoor enclosures have shady places and objects they can slip under to avoid the summer sun. Pet birds must always be kept out of direct sunlight. Position aviaries away from extreme temperatures and draughts. Change their water regularly in their bathing tubs and drinking bottles daily to avoid build-up of bacteria because of the heat.

Pet

Summertime is a fun time, but hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges. Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals can be just as vulnerable to extreme temperatures as their owners are. When the temperatures become extreme, pet safety should be pet owners’ top priority.

Source: FOUR PAWS

How to Keep your Pets Safe During Global Firework Celebrations

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Pets

How to Keep your Pets Safe During Global Firework Celebrations

FOUR PAWS shares essential tips for pet owners ahead of Diwali and Guy Fawkes Day

Cape Town, 25 October 2024 – As Diwali on 31 October and Guy Fawkes Day on 5 November approach, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is urging pet owners to prepare for the impact of fireworks on their animals. Firework displays during these festivities are often accompanied by reckless behaviour, with individuals disregarding restrictions, causing property damage, and terrorising communities and animals alike.

“The fear of fireworks is a widespread issue among pets and poses a serious animal welfare concern. When fireworks explode, many animals panic, attempting to escape from the terrifying lights and noises, sometimes taking days to recover,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

Fireworks are especially distressing for pets due to their heightened senses. Dogs’ hearing is up to four times more sensitive than humans, and cats are even more noise sensitive. The unpredictable flashes and explosive sounds of fireworks create confusion, with animals instinctively interpreting these stimuli as danger, prompting them to seek safety. The effect of fireworks on animals is comparable to the fear response triggered by thunderstorms, but with fireworks often occurring closer to the ground, the experience can be even more overwhelming. The acrid smells accompanying the display further exacerbate the stress experienced by pets.

In some cases, just one negative experience with fireworks is enough to instil a long-term fear response. Repeated exposure, particularly during periods of celebration such as Diwali, Guy Fawkes Day, or New Year’s Eve, can reinforce and intensify an animal’s adverse reactions over time. Research has shown that even young dogs are susceptible to developing noise phobias from fireworks.

FOUR PAWS offers the following preventative tips:

  • Socialise your pet: A well-socialised pet is better equipped to handle unfamiliar situations. Providing pets with positive experiences during their sensitive development phases (3-12 weeks for dogs, 2-7 weeks for cats) is key to reducing sensitivity to fireworks later in life.
  • Firework desensitization: Consider preparing your pet for firework season by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume while offering rewards like treats and affection. Gradually increase the volume but monitor your pet closely and stop if any signs of stress are observed.
  • Create a safe space: Ensure your pet has a quiet, secure area where they can retreat during firework displays. Close windows and draw curtains to reduce noise and light exposure and provide comforting items like their favourite toys or blankets.

The fear of fireworks doesn’t only affect pets – it also impacts wild animals and livestock, causing immense stress, which in extreme cases can prove fatal. Many dogs run away in fear during firework displays, and some tragically suffer accidents as a result. Addressing these fears can help reduce the far-reaching consequences of anxiety, fears, and phobias.

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

Source: Four Paws

Lebanon: FOUR PAWS provides urgent help for starving stray animals and shelters

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FOUR

Lebanon: FOUR PAWS provides urgent help for starving stray animals and shelters

Ongoing conflicts have left thousands of cats and dogs homeless and in need of lifesaving help

Cape Town, 14 November 2024 – Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has launched an emergency relief mission to save stray and shelter animals in Lebanon from starvation during the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. FOUR PAWS experts are on the ground, distributing crucially needed help for stray animals and shelters. In cooperation with local organisations and volunteers, they are delivering ten tons of dog and cat food as well as medicine and veterinary supplies. Moreover, they are visiting multiple shelters to provide lifesaving veterinary care to animals in need. The emergency efforts aim to help 2,000 animals initially.

The recent escalating conflicts in Lebanon have displaced thousands, leaving many pets abandoned as people flee, particularly from Southern Lebanon. This has caused a surge in stray animals and shelters struggling with shortages of food and medical care. The FOUR PAWS team will work with local NGOs and volunteers to distribute the cat and dog food and medicine where it is needed most. They are prepared to perform lifesaving emergency treatments for animals in need.

“FOUR PAWS has years of experience working in conflict zones; therefore, we will do everything we can to save as many animals as possible in this tragic situation. Working in a conflict zone requires in-depth planning yet flexible logistics due to the ever-changing developments on the ground. We are grateful to everyone on the ground supporting our efforts and are taking comprehensive measures for the safety of our team. We continue to keep all the affected people and animals in our thoughts, and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution of the devastating conflicts in Lebanon and the Middle East,” says FOUR PAWS CEO and President Josef Pfabigan.

“The shelters in Southern Lebanon have had to take in more and more dogs and cats recently and have reached the end of their capacities. By helping the animals, we also provide relief for their caretakers and owners during these challenging times. We have seen deceased cats and dogs starved to their bones, lying among the rubble of buildings destroyed by missiles and others who are badly injured. This underlines that human conflicts also have severe and deadly implications for animals. If we can help them, we will,” says FOUR PAWS veterinarian and mission leader Dr Amir Khalil.

Expertise in disaster, crisis, and conflict zones

The FOUR PAWS Rapid Response team has extensive experience in emergency animal rescues across conflict and disaster zones. The team has provided disaster relief for stray and farm animals in Türkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquakes and helped in Ukraine after the outbreak of the war in 2022. In Lebanon, FOUR PAWS conducted an emergency relief mission in 2020 after a devastating explosion in Beirut, providing help for overcrowded shelters. The FOUR PAWS experts also helped relocate two Syrian brown bears to a species-appropriate sanctuary in 2021. In the last ten years, the FOUR PAWS Rapid Response team has evacuated animals from zoos in the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Iraq. Most recently, they rescued almost 50 wild animals from a Sudanese zoo right at the centre of the civil war and evacuated 15 lions to safety outside of the country.

Source: FOUR PAWS

Summer Pet Care: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Animals Safe and Healthy

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Pet

Summer Pet Care: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Animals Safe and Healthy

Take a look at our essential tips to keep your pet happy, healthy, and protected over the summer

The South African summer heat is here and the warmer it gets the more important it becomes to prioritise your pet’s safety. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS offers useful tips to help pet owners avoid problems with their animals so they can enjoy the hot, sunny days together.

“Your pets have specific needs just like you, and there are a few basic things that one should always remember when dealing with pets.” says Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS director South Africa.

Take extra care of your dog in the heat as serious cardiovascular complications could lead to heatstroke. Dogs are at risk of sunburn at areas where they have no hair such as their nose and ears. Always ensure you have fresh drinking water available for your dog especially on outings and take regular breaks particularly if your dog is older. Strenuous activities with your dog such as jogging and cycling should be done during the cool of the morning or evening. Avoid hot stones and asphalt by doing the “seven-second test’’. Hold the back of your hand for seven seconds on the pavement. If you cannot hold out for the full seven seconds because the surface is too hot, then neither can your dog’s paws. Never leave your dog unattended in the car on a hot summer day. Dogs die in hot cars.

Cats will usually find a shady spot for themselves in the hot weather, so they may be in less danger than dogs but keep an eye on them. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh drinking water. Get rid of any uneaten food quickly as it will go off in the heat. Smaller mammals require constant access to fresh water in the heat. Ensure that animals in outdoor enclosures have shady places and objects they can slip under to avoid the summer sun. Pet birds must always be kept out of direct sunlight. Position aviaries away from extreme temperatures and draughts. Change their water regularly in their bathing tubs and drinking bottles daily to avoid build-up of bacteria because of the heat.  

Summertime is a fun time, but hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges. Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals can be just as vulnerable to extreme temperatures as their owners are. When the temperatures become extreme, pet safety should be pet owners’ top priority.

Source: FOUR PAWS