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Sheep Wool

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sheep

Sheep Wool

Painful mutilations – the bloody business of sheep wool production

Sheep are kept for the production of wool, meat and dairy, with Merino breed of sheep as one of the mainly used breeds for wool1 – an indispensable product in the fashion world. The wool of white sheep is preferred, as it can be dyed any colour – hence the origin of the idiom ‘black sheep’, whose wool is less valued by industry.

The wool business is thriving worldwide. The leading producers are Australia, South America, and New Zealand, with Australia being home to over 78 million sheep2. Approximately 1,2 billion sheep live worldwide (FAO, 2020)3 and about half of those are directly used for wool production4,5. As with most widely used animal-based products, wool production and sheep farming come with major animal welfare issues.

Live Lamb Cutting (Mulesing): a cruel mutilation

Live lamb cutting is a procedure, where lambs, just 6-12 weeks old, are restrained on their backs, while strips of skin are cut away from their backside. Live lamb cutting causes excruciating pain, fear, and stress, and it’s legal to carry out this procedure without any form of pain relief.6,7 This painful procedure is practised in Australia to avoid Myiasis (Flystrike). Flystrike is the infestation of a live sheep’s body by flies, that lay their eggs in the skin folds of the hind parts of the sheep. Flies are especially drawn to that part of sheep because it is soaked with moisture and faeces. The highly wrinkled Merino sheep that are bred in Australia are especially prone to flystrike because their wrinkles capture moisture for a longer duration than plain bodied sheep. Live lamb cutting does not adequately protect sheep against flystrike, as flies can attack other parts of a sheep’s body (‘bodystrike’).8 FOUR PAWS opposes mulesing live lamb cutting and calls on brands and industry stakeholders to phase out the practice.

FOUR PAWS advocates responsible wool sourcing

The solutions are available. More than 1,000 wool growers in Australia have successfully transitioned to flystrike resistant plain or smooth-bodied Merino sheep, proving that live lamb cutting (mulesing) is no longer necessary. Major suppliers can provide certified and reliably traced live lamb cutting-free wool. FOUR PAWS asks the wool industry and especially brands to take responsibility for the welfare of the sheep in their wool supply chains. Brands must set and communicate their timelines for a phase-out of live lamb cut wool. A clear signal from brands will encourage their supply chains to transition away from live lamb cutting. Read about our different case studies that show positive change is possible here.

What You Can Do

  • If you plan to purchase wool products, please check the brand’s webpage or contact them to ask what steps they are taking to exclude wool from live lamb cut sheep and to make sure their wool products are live lamb cutting-free.
  • Sign our petition calling on brands to phase out live lamb cut wool.
  • The most animal-friendly decision you can take is not to purchase or use any wool at all. Check out all those great alternatives out there!

Appeal towards the brands

  1. For information on moving away from Live Lamb Cutting, please refer to the FOUR PAWS Guidebook on “Transitioning Away from Live Lamb Cut Sheep Wool”, a resource combining science, brand insights, case studies from farmers that transitioned, as well as information on assurance schemes linked to live lamb cutting-free wool.
  2. Check your wool supply chain and find out if your wool is live lamb cutting-free or not.
  3. If your wool is live lamb cutting-free, let everybody know about it!
  4. Your consumers are keen to see that you’re caring about the welfare of the sheep in your supply chain.
  5. Should you find out that you’re sourcing wool from live lamb cut sheep, start setting up a phase-out plan and communicate it in your policies and to your supply chain.
  6. Your demand for non-live lamb cut wool will trigger a big change for more animal welfare in sheep wool production!
  7. Feel free to get in touch with FOUR PAWS if you need any support.

Sources:

  1. The Many Uses Of Wool. The Many Uses Of Wool. [accessed 2023 Dec 19]. https://www.hdwool.com/blog/the-many-uses-of-wool
  2. Sheep projections | Meat & Livestock Australia. MLA Corporate. [accessed 2023 Dec 19]. https://www.mla.com.au/prices-markets/Trends-analysis/sheep-projections
  3. FAO. Crops and livestock products. [accessed 2022 Sep 19]. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
  4. Merino: King of Sheep | Maryland Small Ruminant Page. mdsmallruminant. [accessed 2023 Mar 3]. https://www.sheepandgoat.com/merinosheep
  5. IWTO. STATISTICS. International Wool Textile Organisation. [accessed 2023 Mar 3]. https://iwto.org/resources/statistics/
  6. Fisher AD. Addressing pain caused by mulesing in sheep. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2011;135(3):232–240.
  7. Johnston CH, Richardson VL, Whittaker AL. How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence: A Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking. Animals. 2023;13(8):1358. doi:10.3390/ani13081358
  8. Phillips CJC. A review of mulesing and other methods to control flystrike (cutaneous myiasis) in sheep. Animal Welfare. 2009;18(2):113–121.

Source: Four Paws

Does Lion Farming In South Africa Have A Positive Impact On The Conservation of African Wild Lion Populations?

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Does Lion Farming In South Africa Have A Positive Impact On The Conservation of African Wild Lion Populations?

South Africa’s commercial lion breeding industry does not benefit Africa’s iconic wild lions, according to new research by Blood Lions and World Animal Protection. 

This finding may have vital implications for the future of lion farming in South Africa – an industry that has been allowed to grow over the past three decades to around 350 captive facilities holding nearly 8,000 lions and thousands of other big cats for tourist entertainment and profit.

Researchers from Blood Lions and World Animal Protection reviewed 126 peer-reviewed articles and 37 public reports published between 2008-2023. Their analysis identified several red flags suggesting that lion farming may harm wild lion populations by accelerating – and potentially facilitating – commercial demand for lions and their body parts, including bones, claws and teeth.

The review also highlights key knowledge gaps that must be addressed to better understand the wider implications of the captive lion industry. Recommended areas for future research include: consumer preferences for lion products sourced from either captive or wild populations, supply and demand interactions relating to captive lion products, economic comparisons between farmed and wild lion products, the genetics and genetic health of captive lion populations, and the extent of illegal activity taking place between Africa and destination countries in Southeast Asia.

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate industry claims that commercial captive lion breeding protects wild lion populations. On the contrary, the findings suggest it may be driving demand with potentially damaging consequences for the species in the wild.

Contributing researcher and Director of Blood Lion Dr Louise de Waal said: “We need to err on the side of caution globally, but in particular in African lion range states, to stop facilitating the further emergence of commercial captive predator breeding and trade. This is particularly relevant when considering the increased wildlife trafficking opportunities between the African continent and Southeast Asia, fuelled in part by the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative[1] – a global infrastructure development strategy by the Chinese government.”

In May 2021, former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, initiated a process to ultimately close South Africa’s commercial captive lion industry with all its associated activities, such as cub petting, walking with lions, and “canned” or captive trophy hunting.

This decision followed the release of the High-Level Panel report, which found that, among others, the captive lion breeding industry damages South Africa’s eco-tourism and conservation reputations, lacks the necessary transformation, and is widely accused of animal welfare neglect and abuse.

In its 2018 Non-Detriment Finding Assessment for African lions, the Scientific Authority of South Africa concluded that exporting captive-bred lion trophies, live captive-bred lions for zoological or breeding purposes, and/or trading lion skeletons from the captive population did not negatively impact South Africa’s wild lion population. While wild lion populations in South Africa are currently considered stable, this new research shows that using captive breeding as a tool to meet the demand for lion commodities  may pose potentially detrimental effects on already vulnerable lion populations and other big cat species across other range states.

Dr Angie Elwin, contributing researcher and Head of Research at World Animal Protection added: “Our review finds no clear evidence that South Africa’s captive lion breeding industry benefits wild lion populations, and growing indications it could be doing harm by fuelling demand for lion parts. Given the precarious status of lions globally, any claims of conservation value should be treated with extreme caution. Lessons from tiger farming show that legal trade from captive animals has failed to protect wild populations and may even accelerate their decline. We risk repeating the same mistake with lions.”

These new research findings are highly relevant for the current political process and should urge Minister Dr. Dion George (Department of  Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) to take two critical next steps: first, to impose an immediate moratorium on the breeding of lions in captivity, and second, to develop a structured and timebound phase-out plan for the broader commercial predator industry.

[1] Hughes, A.C. Understanding and minimizing environmental impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative. Conserv. Biol. 2019, 33, 883–894.

Find a PDF version of the full peer-reviewed research paper HERE.

Source: Blood Lions

Tragic Loss: Truck Smashes into Khayelitsha Animal Clinic

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Tragic Loss: Truck Smashes into Khayelitsha Animal Clinic

On the evening of 2 September, tragedy struck the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha when a drunken driver drove a truck straight into the clinic’s operating theatre, causing devastating damage. This is after another vehicle had driven into its fence just the day before.

The entire operating theatre will need to be rebuilt. In addition, the clinic’s storage room was flattened and requires urgent reconstruction.

clinic

 

“This is damage of an enormous scale – damage we could never have budgeted or prepared for,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive. “We are devastated, but we are also grateful that no animals or staff were harmed.”

While operations will be severely impacted, the dedicated staff have committed to continue treating animals and delivering the best possible care, despite reduced efficiency.

 

The clinic has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to rebuild the theatre and restore full functionality.

clinic

Members of the public are asked to make donations to support the urgent rebuilding effort. Banking details: Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank, Current Account, Branch Code: 198765, Acc: 1314465147, Reference: damage + your name

 

“Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us recover from this disaster,” added du Plessis. “Thank you for standing with us in this time of crisis.”

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter has been serving the Khayelitsha community for 29 years providing veterinary services, shelter and humane education serving 1500 animals per month. To find out more contact info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za.

 

Source: Mdzananda Animal Clinic

Angora

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angora

© Scarabea | Alamy Stock Foto

Angora

Millions of Angora rabbits endure a lifetime of suffering so that their soft hair can be used for fashion products

Rabbits are gentle, intelligent, and highly social species, yet on angora farms, they spend their lives crammed into tiny wire mesh cages, unable to express many of their natural behaviours. The harvesting of this hair however often involves cruel practices such as live plucking which rabbits are forced to endure multiple times per year.

Angora wool, an incredibly soft fibre taken from the thick coats of Angora rabbits, is largely used in high-end fashion yet can also be found in cheap or fast fashion items too. Numerous reports of severe cruelty and unethical practices in angora production have led to major brands and retailers banning the use of angora wool due to animal welfare concerns.

FOUR PAWS opposes the keeping of Angora rabbits and the use of Angora wool. The keeping of Angora rabbits is inherently cruel and therefore any Angora welfare standard is unacceptable.

angora

Angora rabbits are highly social animals who seek companionship and need lots of space to move around. © FOUR PAWS

​​​Animal Welfare Issues

Painful Harvesting Practices

  • Every few months, rabbits are pinned down and their hair is removed using sharp cutting tools or, worse, it is ripped out by hand, both without any anaesthetic or pain relief often causing wounds and injuries. (5,6)
  • As rabbits are prey animals, they are very prone to stress especially when being handled. Some rabbits even die from heart failure or a broken spine due to the stress and struggling caused by the process. (7,8)

Inappropriate Living Conditions

  • Rabbits are often kept in tiny wire mesh cages, unable to carry out their basic natural behaviours. (9)
  • This extreme confinement can lead to stress and boredom, causing rabbits to become highly aggressive, leading to immense suffering as well as injuries and diseases which are usually left untreated.

Torture Breeding

  • Angora rabbits are intentionally bred to have excessive fluffy wool which compromises the rabbit’s welfare in various ways: Without proper and regular care their wool can easily become matted leading to impaired sight, eye diseases, infections, high susceptibility to heat stress and other severe health and welfare issues. (7)
  • They are often unable to groom themselves adequately due to the excessive wool.(10) At the same time grooming themselves often results in ingesting large amounts of hair, causing stomach issues and even death. (11)

Slaughter

  • Normally, Angora rabbits can live for up to 12 years(7). However, in the angora industry, they are deemed unprofitable at around three to four years of age(12), and, after a lifetime of misery, are usually slaughtered and sold for meat.

 

What we are doing
FOUR PAWS is fighting to stop this cruelty. We are exposing the truth behind the angora industry and, through our Wear it Kind programme, we are building a global movement of people who demand better for animals.

We do more than point out the problem – we are part of the solution by engaging with designers, brands and retailers and supporting them to make vital changes to their supply chains, calling on companies to ban the use of angora wool.

What you can do

Together we can make long-lasting change for rabbits suffering for angora wool and prevent the suffering of millions of animals used in fashion.

  • Use our Wear it Kind Shopping Guide and Kind Knitting Guide to find out more about alternative materials to angora wool and other ways you can show compassion in fashion.
  • Take the Wear it Kind pledge and show the world you want fashion free from animal suffering.
  • Your voice really can make a difference. Politely speak, or write, to the management of any store selling angora wool to phase out the material.
angora

© FOUR PAWS

Take the Pledge and Wear It Kind

Sign Now

Source:

  1.  Lukefahr SD, McNitt JI, Cheeke PR, Patton NM. Rabbit production. 10th edition. CAB International; 2022.
  2.  Estimating How Much Yarn To Buy. Magic Needles. 2024 Jun 7 [accessed 2024 Jul 8]. https://magicneedles.in/blogs/guide-more/estimating-how-much-yarn-to-buy 
  3.  Angora – Discover Natural Fibres Initiative. [accessed 2022 Oct 24]. https://dnfi.org/angora-fibres 
  4.  Carnovale F et al. Chinese Public Attitudes towards, and Knowledge of, Animal Welfare. Animals. 2021;11(3):855. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030855 
  5.  Roelofs S. Domestic rabbit welfare: Welfare issues surrounding a multi-purpose animal [Master Thesis]. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University; 2016. 
  6.  Allain D, Rochambeau H de, Thébault RG, Vrillon JL. The inheritance of wool quantity and live weight in the French Angora rabbit. Animal Science. 1999;68(3):441–447. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1357729800050451 
  7.  Angora Rabbit | PetMD. [accessed 2024 Jul 8]. https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/breeds/angora-rabbit 
  8.  J. Orcutt C, L. Malakoff R. Cardiovascular Disease. In: Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents. Elsevier; 2020. p 250–257. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780323484350000198. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-48435-0.00019-8 
  9.  Schlink AC, Liu SM. A potential new industry for Australia. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. 2003. 
  10.  Angora – Long Hair. [accessed 2024 Jul 8]. https://www.ufaw.org.uk/rabbits/angora-long-hair 
  11.  Mondal D., Risam K.S., Sharma S.R., Kumar D. Prevalence of trichobezoars in Angora rabbits in sub-temperate Himalayan conditions. World Rabbit Science. 2010;14(1):33–38. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2006.543 12. Blas C de, Wiseman J. Nutrition of the rabbit. 2nd ed. CABI; 2010. 

Source: Four Paws

EFSA Says Serious Animal Suffering is Unavoidable on Fur Farms

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EFSA Says Serious Animal Suffering is Unavoidable on Fur Farms

Findings confirmed in its scientific opinion as part of the Fur Free Europe ECI process

It is not possible to ensure good animal welfare or to mitigate the serious welfare concerns in the cage-based systems in fur farms, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed, in its scientific opinion as part of the Fur Free Europe ECI process. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS and other animal protection organisations urge the European Commission (EC) to address this opinion by banning fur farming in the EU, as demanded by millions of EU citizens.

The EFSA findings confirm what scientists have been stressing for years: fur farming is fundamentally incompatible with animal welfare. It highlights the severe welfare consequences faced by mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas in fur production, including restriction of movement, isolation stress, tissue lesions and lameness, while it asserts that the complex behavioural and physiological needs of these animals simply cannot be met within the fur farming industry.

Given that the only currently-used farming system relies on wire mesh cages, this conclusion aligns with a broad body of existing research highlighting the harmful impact of caging animals, whether domesticated or not.

As scientific evidence highlights that no enrichment or change to the system can respect the welfare needs of animals farmed for fur and with the industry being in a state of decline, the EC should seize the opportunity of the current revision of the EU animal welfare legislation to acknowledge the calls of the ECI and adopt:

  • A ban on fur farming
  • A ban on the placement of farmed fur products on the European market, to ensure that fur produced under similarly cruel conditions in third countries is not sold within the EU.

This call has also been supported by The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), representing 330,000 veterinarians across 39 countries, who asserted that fur farming is not future-proof and urged a full ban on farming and the sale of fur products in the EU.

“The practice of confining millions of animals in small wire cages for the production of non-essential fashion items is outdated and fundamentally incompatible with contemporary ethical standards. EFSA has now provided detailed scientific evidence that the existing cage systems for fur animals are incompatible with animal welfare standards. We once again urge the European Commission to take action and swiftly present a comprehensive ban on fur farming and the trade in fur,”

Dr. Martina Stephany, Director Animal Welfare Issues at FOUR PAWS

“The newly published EFSA opinion brings no real surprises: confining inherently wild animals in cages for a luxury product that serves no essential purpose violates the most basic principles of animal welfare. In light of this new EFSA assessment, and given the well-documented public health and environmental risks associated with fur farming, we urge the European Commission a ban across the EU, in line with the demands of citizens”, commented Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals.

FOUR PAWS was one of the major signature contributors to the ‘Fur Free Europe’ European Citizens’ Initiative. Read more about the efforts and achievements of FOUR PAWS on ending fur farming in the EU here.

fur

#FurFreeEurope

Timeline of activities and achievements

Learn more

Source: Four Paws

Celebrating the Unbreakable Bond: Dogs as Companions and Our Responsibility

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Celebrating the Unbreakable Bond: Dogs as Companions and Our Responsibility

FOUR PAWS South Africa marks International Dog Day with a call for compassion, commitment, and responsible pet ownership.

As the world prepares to honour our four-legged friends on International Dog Day this 26 August, FOUR PAWS South Africa is spotlighting the deep companionship dogs offer—and the importance of being responsible guardians in return.

Whether curled up at our feet or standing loyally by our side, dogs bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives. But this special relationship comes with responsibility. This International Dog Day, FOUR PAWS is urging South Africans to not only celebrate their dogs, but to reaffirm their role in providing safe, loving, and cruelty-free homes to the animals they care for.

“Dogs aren’t just animals we share our homes with—they’re family,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa. “In South Africa, dogs play vital roles in communities as companions, helpers, and guardians. Responsible pet ownership means ensuring these animals are protected, healthy, and treated with the dignity they deserve.”

Through its community outreach projects, FOUR PAWS South Africa has witnessed firsthand the impact of irresponsible pet ownership—ranging from overpopulation and untreated disease, to neglect and abandonment. As part of its work, the organisation provides free sterilisation, vaccinations, and education programmes across rural and underserved communities to promote long-term change.

What Responsible Pet Ownership Means:

  • Providing clean water, proper food, shelter, and veterinary care.
  • Spaying or neutering your pets to prevent overpopulation and suffering.
  • Ensuring pets are kept safe, not left to roam or chained for extended periods.
  • Understanding the emotional needs of your dog—companionship, love, and mental stimulation.
  • Committing to your dog’s wellbeing for their entire life.

Beyond physical care, dogs need mental enrichment, companionship, and protection from harmful environments. Abandonment, abuse, and backyard breeding remain serious challenges in South Africa, but they can be prevented through education and community-led solutions. “This day is a celebration—but also a reminder,” says Miles. “A reminder that when we take a dog into our homes, we make a promise: to love, protect, and care for them responsibly. Let’s make sure we live up to that promise.”

FIVE Ways to Celebrate International Dog Day Responsibly:

  1. Adopt, don’t shop – Choose to give a rescue dog a loving home.
  2. Vaccinate and sterilise your pets to prevent unnecessary suffering.
  3. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or support a mobile outreach clinic.
  4. Speak out against animal cruelty and report neglect or abuse.
  5. Celebrate your dog’s life – share your story using #InternationalDogDay and tag @FOURPAWSSA.

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

Source: Four Paws

500 Extra Pet Sterilisations in Khayelitsha

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500 Extra Pet Sterilisations in Khayelitsha

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha will be sterilising and additional 500 dogs and cats in just two months, commencing 29th July 2025, as part of a mass sterilisation campaign to reduce the number of unwanted pet litters in the community. This is on top of their yearly approximate 3000 sterilisations performed in the Khayelitsha and surrounding community.

Sterilisation is one of the most effective ways to address pet overpopulation, reduce the spread of disease, and prevent the suffering of animals born into homes or streets unable to care for them. It also improves pets’ health and wellbeing, preventing certain cancers and infections.

“We are excited to launch this campaign and significantly impact the lives of many dogs and cats and, in so doing, create a better environment for pets and their pet owners in Khayelitsha,” says Samantha Mann, General Manager. “We have been signing pets up for sterilisation for the last few months and educating about the importance of sterilisation.”

Thanks to a significant donation from a granting foundation, Mdzananda is close to its goal but still needs to raise R60 000 to cover the full cost of the project. The Clinic is appealing to the public for 100 people to donate R600 each to sponsor a sterilisation.

“Even if the full R600 isn’t possible, any donation towards a sterilisation will be appreciated,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic. “Together we can make an enormous difference in the current and future pet population in Khayelitsha.”

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Donations can be made to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank, Current Account, Branch Code: 198765, Acc: 1314465147, Reference: Steri + Your Name

Alternatively, visit www.mdzananda.co.za for SnapScan and additional donation portals.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter has been serving the Khayelitsha community since 1996 and treats up to 1500 animals per month through a hospital, theatre, homeless shelter, mobile clinics and animal ambulance. Education is of great importance, being extended to the community through various outreach programmes to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Source: Mdzananda Animal Clinic 

Celebrate Women’s Day with Purpose

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Celebrate Women’s Day with Purpose

AACL – Durban & PMB Branch Women’s Day High Tea

women

In celebration of women. In support of animals.
Join us for a beautiful morning of inspiration, connection, and compassion, all in aid of the animals at AACL – Durban & PMB Branch.

Date: Saturday, 9 August 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

Venue: Le Domaine Restaurant, 100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest

Tickets: R250 per person

What is in store:

  • Thoughtful gifts for each woman
  • A delicious selection of high tea treats
  • Mystery shopping vouchers

Guest speaker: Elaine Kooiman, former MD of Innoxa SA, with 50 years’ experience in the cosmetics industry, sharing insights on her brand, Skinworx 

Special offer: 15 lucky attendees will receive free will consultations from top attorneys

Seats are limited – booking is essential!
Last day for bookings: Tuesday, 5 August 2025

To reserve your seat:

Pay via Zapper or EFT using the details below.

Email your proof of payment to: admin@aacldurban.co.za

EFT Details:
Animal Anti-Cruelty League
Standard Bank
Durban North Branch (042826)
Account No: 051350521
Reference: WD9 + Your Surname

Come and celebrate Women’s Day in a way that matters – bring a friend, enjoy something special, and help us continue our vital work for animals in need.

Call us: 031 736 9093
Email us: admin@aacldurban.co.za

Source: AACL

CHPA Mid-year report

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CHPA Mid-year report

As CHPA have already reached our halfway mark of 2025, we wanted to pause and reflect on everything you have helped us achieve for Cape Town’s working cart horses and beyond. Thanks to your generosity, our team have been able to provide essential care, respond to emergencies, and educate the next generation of horse owners.

Here is a look at what your kindness has made possible so far this year:

Number of oat-hay bales sold / distributed:  4 650
Number of shoes shod / farrier interventions:  988
Number of vet cases / treatments administered:  780
Number of horses admitted to our Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre:  9

The Pegasus Project reached nine youth with lessons in animal sentience and empathy.

Strengthened partnerships with SAPS to intervene in cruelty cases, working hand-in-hand with trained officers like Sergeant Julies.

Siya completed the Comrades Ultra Marathon for CHPA and is preparing to run the Comrades again to raise awareness and funds for our horses in 2026.

CHPA

If you missed our 2025 AGM, it truly is a must see!

CHPA 2025 AGM Video Recording
Actual recording:  1hour 37minutes (A must see and riveting AGM. Reviews: AMAZING and best one EVER)

Not keen to watch the whole 1hour 37minutes, do yourself a favor and watch the highlights below:

AGM Staff Presentation
Actual recording: 6minutes 12seconds (Get to know CHPA’s incredible team, presented by our General Manager, Penny Lankester)

Siya’s Comrades journey
Actual recording: 2minutes 28seconds (From a novice to getting silver at his first Comrades Ultra Marathon)

CHPA highlights for the financial year
Actual recording: 8minutes 23seconds (You have to, you have to watch this incredible video, did I say you have to?)

vimeo.com
Actual recording: 13minutes 45seconds (Our Outreach program in The Tankwa in collaboration with Afrika Burn, be sure to get the tissues out)

CHPA

What lies ahead?

The coming months bring colder weather, and many cart horses will need additional shelter, warm gear, and nutritional support and of course proper shoes and ongoing veterinary care. Our new campaign, Every Horse Matters, will focus on helping both registered and non-registered horses in distress.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of our incredible team, and every horse who gallops happily into our clinic in Epping when they arrive, thank you for being part of their journey.

Source: Cart Horse Protection Agency

Animal Welfare and Tourism

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Animal Welfare and Tourism

Selfies with bears in chains or petting lion cubs? Animal welfare should not stop on holiday!

Other countries, other customs – that’s one of the great things about being on holiday. However, bear in mind that animal welfare standards abroad can often be lower than at home. What at first glance might appear to be an appealing tourist attraction or a culinary delicacy is often connected to pain and distress for the animals involved.

FOUR PAWS has advice about how to be considerate towards animals abroad and make sure that your holiday is animal-friendly.

Animal welfare and tourism: animal suffering on holiday

Animal

Did you know that…
…many tourist destinations have very low animal welfare standards?

…in South Africa, lions kept for breeding are very likely to end up as targets for trophy hunting or killed for their bones? And that as young animals they were abused on petting farms as tourist attractions?

…most animals in the tourism industry suffer in miserable living conditions?

…there are are not only dancing bears but also ‘selfie bears’ and restaurant bears?

Source: FOUR PAWS