FOUR PAWS has announced that, on Saturday, 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.
The 2025 theme, "Save Animals, Save the Planet", reminds the community that animals are not just part of our environment, but part of our communities and caring for them is our shared responsibility, says FOUR PAWS.
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, adds the organisation.
From the wildlife in the Kruger National Park to our beloved dogs and cats in townships, the 2025 theme honours all animals, wild, farm and companion as rightful co-inhabitants of our land. The day is a gentle reminder that highlights urgent issues like wildlife exploitation, factory farming and the safe and humane care of stray animals. World Animal Day inspires to respect animals' rights to live freely and safely and to push for stronger protections in law and practice, says the organisation.
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, and
- guidance on ethical choices in food, fashion and travel (#LiveKinder, #EatKinder, #WearItKind and #TravelKind).
Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS says, "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."
The Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide is available for download here.
For more information, visit www.four-paws.org.za.
*Image courtesy of contributor