Cape Town, 30 March 2026 As the world prepares to mark World Stray Animal Day on 04 April, international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is urging South Africa to adopt stronger, more humane legislation to address the country’s growing stray animal crisis.
According to the organisation, an estimated 4.05 million dogs and cats in South Africa are currently homeless, around 22% of the country’s companion animal population. Of these, approximately 3.4 million are strays, while about 650 000 are in shelters. Experts say the scale of the crisis places increasing pressure on communities, public health systems and animal welfare services.
FOUR PAWS says the issue is not only about animal welfare, but also a ‘One Health‘ concern that links animals, humans and the environment. The organisation warns that unsterilised and unmanaged stray populations increase risks such as dog bites, disease transmission and unsafe public spaces.
‘Stray animal management is a One Health issue,’ said 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.’
Rabies remains one of the most serious public health concerns linked to stray animals in South Africa. Data from health authorities show that human cases are still recorded annually, with dog bites being a major transmission route. A long-term review in Limpopo recorded nearly 99 000 animal bite cases between 2011 and 2023, and 32 human deaths due to rabies all of which were fatal.
FOUR PAWS is calling for urgent government action to strengthen national and municipal laws that promote responsible pet ownership. The organisation advocates for mass sterilisation programmes, compulsory vaccination, microchipping, and better public awareness campaigns.
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It also highlighted existing local frameworks such as the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law (2021), which includes sterilisation and permitting requirements aimed at controlling pet populations and improving community safety.
The organisation says humane, science-based interventions are more effective than euthanasia in managing stray populations over the long term. It is now calling on government, civil society and pet owners to work together to implement sustainable solutions.
World Stray Animal Day serves as a reminder, FOUR PAWS says, that coordinated action is urgently needed to protect both animals and communities.
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Picture: Evan Clark/ Unspalsh
