<\/p>\n
Cape Town, South Africa (01 April 2026)<\/em> \u2013 In the lead\u2011up to World Stray Animal Day on 4 April, FOUR PAWS<\/a><\/strong> is sounding the alarm on South Africa\u2019s growing stray animal crisis \u2013 an issue impacting animal welfare, public health and community safety.<\/p>\n Stats gathered by the global animal welfare organisation reveal a concerning reality. Just over 4 million dogs and cats in South Africa are homeless, making up roughly 22% of the country\u2019s estimated 18.6 million companion animals (dogs: 13.4 million, cats: 5.2 million). Of this homeless population, approximately 3.4 million are surviving as strays, while 650,000 are in shelters.<\/p>\n This data highlights the scale of the challenge that communities face daily.<\/p>\n For instance, in Langa, Cape Town, a recent census revealed that nearly 90% of dogs and cats are unsterilised- the primary driver of this relentless population growth and the risks that come with it.<\/p>\n \u201cStray animal management is a One Health issue,\u201d says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen dogs and cats roam without care, it\u2019s not only the animals that suffer, but communities also face increased risks of bites, disease transmission and unsafe environments. Humane, evidence-based solutions are urgently needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Surveillance data show human cases are confirmed annually, particularly linked to dog bites; timely PEP (post\u2011exposure prophylaxis) and mass dog vaccination are proven lifesaving interventions.<\/p>\n A retrospective, NICD-led review in Limpopo (2011\u20132023) recorded 98,743 animal bite cases and 32 human deaths due to rabies, with a 100% fatality rate among confirmed cases, many of whom did not complete PEP courses, highlighting the need for better awareness and access to care.<\/p>\n \u201cWe call on the government to embed these principles into national and municipal legislation,\u201d Miles adds.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSouth Africa has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that animal welfare and human health go hand in hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n FOUR PAWS advocates for responsible pet ownership, sterilisation, identification\/ microchipping and vaccination. These proactive interventions are widely recognised as more effective and humane than euthanasia.<\/p>\n Municipal frameworks such as the City of Cape Town\u2019s Animal Keeping By\u2011law (2021) include mandatory sterilisation and permitting provisions to curb overpopulation and improve community safety.<\/p>\n FOUR PAWS encourages authorities to scale humane, science-based interventions by enacting legislation.<\/p>\n The government is called to embed humane companion animal population management through national and municipal laws to promote responsible ownership, sterilisation, identification and vaccination.<\/p>\n Communities and pet owners are urged to vaccinate, sterilise, microchip and keep pets safely at home; report bite incidents promptly and seek PEP.<\/p>\n Civil society and experts can collaborate on data-driven interventions and public awareness to protect people, pets, and public spaces.<\/p>\n Explore FOUR PAWS\u2019 resources and advocacy at www.four-paws.org.za <\/strong><\/a>and help champion humane, effective solutions for stray animals rooted in One Health and community well\u2011being.<\/p>\nFar Too Many Animals are Without a Home<\/h3>\n
Rabies Remains a Serious Public Health Threat<\/h3>\n
Reproduction and Abandonment are Major Drivers of Stray Populations<\/h3>\n
Call to Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Join the movement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nSources: FOUR PAWS<\/em><\/h6>\n
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