From soaked puppies clinging to their mothers for warmth to stranded horses and terrified animals trapped in flood zones, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has been responding to heartbreaking scenes across Cape Town’s hardest-hit areas.
Western Cape, South Africa (12 May 2026) – Cape Town has been battered by brutal weather over the past few days. Roads have flooded, homes have been damaged and entire communities have been left trying to navigate freezing temperatures, gale-force winds and relentless rain. But while the storm has dominated headlines for the destruction it has caused, another battle has been unfolding in the background… one fought by a group of people refusing to leave vulnerable animals behind.
The teams from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA have been out in the thick of it all, responding to desperate calls from some of the hardest-hit areas across Cape Town, including Parkwood, Masiphumelele, Bonnytoun, Lwandle, Macassar, Bloekombos, Athlone, Schaapkraal, Philippi and Delft. Through flooded streets, dangerous conditions and bitter cold, first responders have been working around the clock to rescue animals trapped in terrifying situations.
“From two tiny litters of puppies curled tightly against their mothers trying to stay warm, to frightened pigs stranded in rising water, to injured animals needing urgent medical care, every rescue has highlighted just how vulnerable animals become during disasters like these. And while one life may be carried to safety, another call for help is already waiting.”
Despite the conditions, the SPCA’s rescue teams have continued moving through communities across the city, helping animals that are soaked, injured, frightened or simply trying to survive the storm. Several dogs were rescued after being found chained outside in the freezing rain, while others were wandering through flooded streets searching for shelter. Teams also worked alongside residents to help bring pets safely indoors and away from the dangerous weather conditions. In another rescue effort, inspectors assisted with securing horses and safely returning them to their stalls before the flooding could worsen. The organisation also extended gratitude to the Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, whose support has helped strengthen rescue operations during the ongoing crisis.
And the reality is that the storm doesn’t discriminate.
“Our team rescues soaked dogs and stranded cats, as well as horses and farm animals and responds to wildlife emergencies too. We help baby birds tossed from their nests by gale-force winds, Cape fur seals swept ashore by raging seas, and even porcupines flooded out of their stormwater drain homes. Whether they walk, fly, swim, or gallop.. the storm affects them all.”
While rescue teams remain out in the field, injured animals are also being brought into the SPCA hospital, where veterinarians are treating and caring for them as emergency operations continue across the city.
The organisation is urging residents to make sure their animals are warm, dry and protected from the elements while the severe weather continues. For families living in vulnerable areas, that support can mean everything right now.
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They Made It! Young Animal Welfare Volunteers Off to Cape TownBehind the scenes, disaster response teams are also working closely with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre through the Joint Operations Centre to ensure that help reaches the animals in greatest danger first. Teams are actively moving animals out of flood-prone areas, evacuating trapped pets and farm animals, distributing food and blankets in affected communities, and providing shelter, medical treatment and care for displaced animals.
It is exhausting, dangerous work but it is also deeply human.
During moments like these, when storms leave devastation in their wake, there are still people willing to wade through icy floodwater to carry a frightened dog to safety, to wrap a blanket around a shivering puppy, or to stop and help a terrified animal that cannot ask for help itself.
To report animals in distress or request evacuation assistance, please call 021 700 4158/9 or send a WhatsApp to 021 700 4140. You can also support our ongoing rescue efforts by clicking here.
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