Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has announced it will host the annual 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA on Tuesday, 5 May in Cape Town. Aimed at bringing together leaders from animal welfare, government, academia, conservation and public health to reflect on the state of animal welfare in South Africa.
The influential annual platform will centre on a defining question posed by FOUR PAWS Director Fiona Miles, "what kind of South Africa do we choose to be, one that turns a blind eye to suffering, or one that leads with compassion, justice and dignity for all beings?"
Under the 2026 theme, "A South Africa that treats animals with respect, empathy and understanding", the event aims to explore the systemic challenges facing animals across key sectors, from big cats and farm animals to companion animals and the reforms needed to build a more compassionate and ethical society for all living beings, says the NPO.
The public will be able to livestream the event via YouTube ensuring broader national access to this critical conversation on animal welfare in South Africa. Participants will be able to add their questions during the live Q&A session, adds the NPO.
Event Information
- When: Tuesday, 5 May.
- Time: 19:00 to 21:00.
- Where: YouTube
- Register: Here.
Highlights of #SOAWA 2026 include:
- networking with leaders across sectors
- a keynote State of Animal Welfare Address by Fiona Miles
- a panel discussion on The State of Big Cat Welfare
- expert insights into Farm Animal Welfare and Companion Animal Welfare
- a live Q&A session with speakers, and
- Graeme Richards: Master of Ceremony.
As South Africa continues to grapple with complex animal welfare challenges that intersect with public health, ethics, conservation and social justice, the 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address aims to spark accountability, dialogue and action, placing compassion at the centre of national decision-making, concludes the NPO.
For more information, visit www.four-paws.org.za.
*Image courtesy of contributor