After almost 100 years of service in animal welfare, the AWS SA is celebrating what has brought them so far in the mission.
Cape Town, South Africa (27 October 2025) – Every win in animal welfare is worth celebrating. This week, the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has had three of them.
The first being that the AWS SA has just turned 96! It’s been almost a full century of fighting for animals in the Western Cape, and especially in the Cape Flats, where the need is greatest. For nearly a hundred years, they have focused on giving affordable veterinary care, sterilisations, rescues, and rehabilitation.
Generations of pets and families have been touched by their work, and their presence in the community has quite literally changed the landscape for animal welfare in South Africa. That’s worth a cheers.
The second good thing worth celebrating is the man steering the ship.
Dr John McMullen has reached his 50-year work anniversary. Half a century of giving his all to the animals that land on AWS SA’s doorstep. At 77, he’s not slowing down; he’s setting the bar higher. Dr Mac is largely responsible for building the AWS’s reputation for the world-class care it provides to thousands of animals who rely on it each year.
To mark the golden milestone, Dr Mac was honoured at this year’s Dancers Love Dogs show at the Artscape Opera House. He got an audience’s standing ovation and received his gold medal and Long Service Award from comedian Alan Committie!
Last but not least, AWS SA’s spokesperson, Allan Perrins, has reached 25 years in the animal welfare profession. Allan has been the voice who shares the organisation’s work, tells stories of rescues, champions sterilisation drives, and shines a spotlight on why animal welfare matters. His storytelling brings people closer to the cause and so many supporters to get involved. He’s helped make sure that AWS SA’s work ripples outward.
The future looks bright too.
AWS SA has plans to transform its Animal Welfare Response Unit into a mobile ambulance that will deliver primary care straight into communities. Upgrades to its Animal Care Centre are also on the cards, and the team will look at appointing more veterinary staff to meet a growing demand.
This is what a culture of dedication can do! Three milestones, all pointing back to one basic truth that when people lead with compassion, they create something that lasts far beyond themselves.
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