It has been estimated that approximately 4.5-million dogs and cats in South Africa are homeless, being roughly 22% of the country's estimated 18.6-million companion animals (dogs: 13.4-million, cats: 5.2-million). 

Of the homeless population, it is estimated that 3.4-million are strays and 650 000 are in shelters, highlighting the scale of the challenge that communities face daily. In Langa, Cape Town, a census found nearly 90% of dogs and cats unsterilised, a key driver of relentless population growth and associated risks, says the NPO.

"Stray animal management is a One Health issue," says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. "When dogs and cats roam without care, it's 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."

Rabies remains a serious public health threat in South Africa. Surveillance data show human cases are confirmed annually, particularly linked to dog bites; timely PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and mass dog vaccination are proven lifesaving interventions. A retrospective, NICD led review in Limpopo (2011 to 2023) 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, says the NPO.

"We call on government to embed these principles into national and municipal legislation," adds Miles. "South Africa has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that animal welfare and human health go hand in hand."

Unmanaged reproduction and abandonment are major drivers of stray populations. 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.

Municipal frameworks such as the City of Cape Town's Animal Keeping By-law (2021) includes mandatory sterilisation and permitting provisions to curb overpopulation and improve community safety. FOUR PAWS encourages authorities to scale humane, science based- interventions by enacting legislation.

Call to Action

FOUR PAWS encourages:

The Government: Embed humane companion animal population management through national and municipal laws to promote responsible ownership, sterilisation, identification and vaccination.
Communities and Pet Owners: Vaccinate, sterilise, microchip and keep pets safely at home; report bite incidents promptly and seek PEP.
Civil Society and Experts: Collaborate on data driven interventions and public awareness to protect people, pets- and public spaces.

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

*Image courtesy of contributor