The Animal Anti-Cruelty League in KwaZulu-Natal is calling on the public to take stronger steps to safeguard the welfare and dignity of animals as the world observes International Animal Rights Day on Wednesday. The organisation says the day serves as a reminder that animals are sentient beings who deserve care, respect and protection.
Bronwyn Ablett, who works with the league in the Durban and Pietermaritzburg areas, says the province has seen a noticeable rise in animal neglect cases in recent months.
“We’re seeing more animals abandoned on the streets or people calling in to report strays,” she said. “If an animal is not microchipped and it wanders off, we have no way of tracing it back to its owner. It’s incredibly stressful for the animal and for the person who’s lost it.”
While acknowledging that microchipping may not be affordable for everyone, Ablett emphasised the importance of keeping pets in secure homes with proper fencing to prevent them from escaping or being harmed.
Marking Animal Rights Day, she urged pet owners to follow the internationally recognised Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, which promote humane treatment. These include freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviours; and freedom from fear and distress.
Ablett said applying these principles ensures animals live healthier, safer and happier lives.