State of Animal Welfare Address SOAWA 2026

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FOUR PAWS

is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

#BreakTheViciousCycle

FOUR PAWS is fighting to ban the commercial trade of ALL big cats in South Africa

#WearItKind

Together, we can drive an animal-friendly fashion future.

#ProtectMillions

Stolen. Killed. Eaten. End the Dog and Cat Meat Trade.

Cat and Dog Meat Trade Investigation Hanoi VT

#TheySufferWeSuffer

Pandemics and Animal Welfare: Support our demands for a world of higher animal welfare!

#BetterFarmsHealthyFuture

Animal welfare protects everyone.

Farm Animal Welfare for Better Public Health

#LiveKinder

We can all #LiveKinder

Wild Animals

Everything important about local and exotic wildlife

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

A FOUR PAWS sanctuary in South Africa since 2006

Farm Animals

Working to improve conditions of "farm animals"

Climate and Animal Welfare

Factory farming is damaging the planet

Companion Animals

Our topics around dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets

Rapid Response for Animals

FOUR PAWS assists animals in the of conflict

Disaster Relief for Animals

FOUR PAWS helps animals in the face of disaster

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Chickens at a farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

World Poultry Day: SA Urged to Look Beyond Egg Labels

As consumers pay more for ‘free‑range’ eggs, FOUR PAWS warns that higher prices don’t always guarantee better animal welfare and calls for stronger standards across the poultry sector

FOUR PAWS supporting animals in crisis in lebanon

Lebanon Emergency Support

Support the project to help rescue displaced and abandoned animals affected by the crisis in Lebanon

Lion Nikola at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.

Two Years On: Lion Nikola Thrives at LIONSROCK

Confiscated after illegal private keeping and rehabilitated in Europe, Nikola now thrives in the quiet grasslands outside Bethlehem

Lionesses Leonie (L), Billy (M) and Izzy (R) at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.

What Kind of South Africa Do We Choose to Be?

FOUR PAWS hosts its annual State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA, inviting the public to join the discussion via YouTube livestream

Vet Christine Steyrer during dental procedure of lioness Khawla at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa

One Vet, One Team, a Lifetime of Care

This World Veterinary Day, FOUR PAWS recognises Dr Christine Steyrer and the team behind LIONSROCK’s rescued big cats

World Health Day: “One Health, One Welfare”

FOUR PAWS reminds us that healthier animals mean healthier communities

A thin dog in De Doorns in the Western Cape in South Africa

World Stray Animal Day: South Africa’s Stray Animal Crisis needs Humane Solutions

FOUR PAWS calls for legislation that protects both communities and animals

Lion cub snarling before tourism interaction.

Victory for Animal Welfare: NCOP Approves Draft Notice Prohibiting Certain Activities Involving African Lion

Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS celebrates a landmark victory following the National Council of Provinces’

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Leopard Bakari at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

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