Closes: 31 Jul 2025

Are We Failing Our Animals? It's Time to Rethink Protection Laws in South Africa? Have Your Say

Over 1,000 stray, unwanted, or injured animals face euthanasia in South Africa every single day. The burden of care—including rising veterinary costs—falls mostly on underfunded non-profits, who fight an uphill battle with limited resources. Is South African law doing enough to protect them? Right now, Parliament is reviewing the outdated legal framework governing companion animal welfare. This is a rare and powerful moment to strengthen protections, close dangerous loopholes, and demand better enforcement.

Summary:

They love us unconditionally. Now it's time to protect them.


Every day, millions of dogs, cats, and other companion animals fill our homes and hearts with loyalty, love, and joy. But behind the wagging tails and gentle purrs, thousands are suffering in silence.


Over 1,000 stray, unwanted, or injured animals face euthanasia in South Africa every single day. The burden of care—including rising veterinary costs—falls mostly on underfunded non-profits, who fight an uphill battle with limited resources.


Is South African law doing enough to protect them?

Right now, Parliament is reviewing the outdated legal framework governing companion animal welfare. This is a rare and powerful moment to strengthen protections, close dangerous loopholes, and demand better enforcement.

 

Become a voice for the voiceless! Whether you’re a pet owner, an animal lover, or simply believe in compassion and accountability, this is your chance to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.


Add your voice today. Let’s make South Africa a country that truly cares for its animals.

The Objective?

  • Reduce the number of unwanted and stray animals that suffer due to a lack of essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical care.
  • Strengthen accountability for animal abuse, ensuring that offenders face more serious consequences.
  • Implement a national identification system, including licensing and microchipping, to ensure responsible ownership of all companion animals. (Breeders were specifically referenced in the committee’s meeting notes.)
  • Increase government support for animal welfare organisations and initiatives providing critical care and aid.

How to Participate

✅Read through the contents of the Parliamentary Committee Meeting for more information and context:

       https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/40853/?via=homepage-feature-card

 

📩Use the DearSA form below to submit your comment

 

🗣️Join the national dialogue whereby DearSA will submit a fully recorded report to the Committee

     to consider your views and suggestions

 

🐶 Share this campaign with others — democracy depends on collective action!

About DearSA – Where Data Meets Democracy

DearSA is South Africa’s leading public participation platform, empowering citizens to have a direct say in government decisions that impact their lives. We bridge the gap between residents and policymakers by ensuring that public input is collected, analyzed, and presented effectively to decision-makers.


DearSA, is where data meets democracy, ensures that public participation directly influences policy decisions. By completing this form, your comments will be sent to Parliament for consideration.

How Can You Help?

Share this campaign link with your neighbours, friends, family, and colleagues so they too can submit their comment to Parliament. Let’s stand together and be heard—a stronger Constitution starts with you!

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A small amount creates a huge impact. DearSA® is a registered South African non-profit organisation and, like all non-profits, does not qualify for relief funding from government. Please assist where you can.

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