Cape Town, 13 September 2024 – FOUR PAWS is urging the community to join them at the “Bring Animals to Parliament” gathering on October 4, 2024, in front of the South African Parliament in Cape Town from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This significant event, held on World Animal Day, calls on the public to support a Memorandum urging lawmakers to prioritise animal welfare in national legislation. Through advocacy, symbolic artwork, and community participation, FOUR PAWS aims to make animal sentience a legislative priority.

The event will feature speeches from Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, and Kajal Bagwandeen, FOUR PAWS Ambassador. Attendees will witness the handover of a 1.5-meter tapestry, symbolising the unified call for change, as well as the launch of our Animal Welfare Guide for a Kinder World under the #LiveKinder campaign.

Miles expresses the urgency of the event, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for us to come together and make the welfare of animals a national priority. The South African government must recognise that animals are sentient beings deserving of protection. Through this gathering, we are not only advocating for policy changes but also for a compassionate and kinder future for all living beings.”

Participants are encouraged to arrive by 9:00 AM for check-in, design your own animal welfare placard, paint your face in your favourite animal, and dress in animal-themed attire to show solidarity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with like-minded advocates and support the movement for compassionate, animal-friendly policies in South Africa.

Event Details:

• Date:  Friday October 4, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Check-in starts at 9:00 AM)
• Location: Parliament of South Africa, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town
• Attire: Animal-themed attire encouraged
• Important Note: No live animals will be present at the event to ensure their safety.

Event Program

The gathering will feature a robust program, including:

• A warm welcome by our MC
• Followed by acapella choir Brothers and Sisters Art Organisation from the Rainbow Arts Organisation performing the South African Anthem
• A word from our FOUR PAWS Ambassador – Kajal Bagwandeen
• Followed by a spoken word poetry performance by Anele Kose from the Rainbow Arts Organisation
• Followed by a live marimba band performance by Women Unite from the Rainbow Arts Organisation
• Followed by the launch of our animal welfare guide for a Kinder World #LiveKinder by Celiwe Shivambu FOUR PAWS Campaign Officer
• Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS Director will deliver the keynote speech and official handover & unveiling of the FOUR PAWS ‘Bring Animals to Parliament’ tapestry created by the Keiskamma Art Project to representatives from DFFE, DALRRD, Health, and Justice

No live animals will be present to avoid stress or harm. Media coverage is welcomed, with event highlights and statements available after the gathering. 

For more information on the event and to register, visit the official event page here.

/ENDS