Recently, several animal welfare organisations were charged with animal cruelty – this sparked a serious conversation about the unregulated elements of animal welfare and how the public can be aware of supporting organisations that follow the law.
South Africa (07 April 2025) – Paws-a-While, an animal welfare organisation based in Cape Town, recently penned a helpful guide to help the public support animal welfare causes that are ethical and law-abiding. Sadly, a recent series of animal abuse cases have been opened against several unregulated organisations, and this sparked the conversation, “how do you know who to support?”.
Paws-a-While founder Carolyn Dudgeon breaks down exactly where organisations fail, and what to look for when wanting to support an animal welfare charity. So let’s dive in:
The Unregulated World of Animal Welfare
Did you know that the animal welfare sector in South Africa is not regulated? Registering a Non-Profit Company can take under an hour, and the only organisation that is legally governed is the NSPCA and their branches of SPCA’s. There is no governing body or legislation overseeing the many charities and shelters that claim to care for animals, and once a non-profit status is granted, there is no follow-up to ensure these organisations maintain ethical standards or accountability.
Not Everything That Glitters is Gold
In a world where emotional manipulation, animal hoarding, DIY veterinary care, and personal gain can hide in the shadows, it’s crucial to be informed. Before you hit that “pay now” button, let’s uncover the top red flags that you need to watch out for and understand the standards that should be expected from legitimate rescues.
Carolyn Dudgeon, founder of Paws-A-While, warns that cruelty masquerading as compassion is far too common.
“People assume that anyone running an animal rescue must have the animals’ best interests at heart, but we’ve seen time and time again that’s not always the case. From overcrowding and lack of vet care to outright fraud, there are rescues that do more harm than good. It’s up to the public to ask the tough questions before they give their support.”
Lack of Focus on Sterilisation and Vaccinations
Any organisation that ignores the importance of sterilisation or vaccinations has no place in rescue. That is not real rescue. Any rescue must be involved in sterilisation projects in the community that can be verified, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal welfare.
Qualified Veterinary Care is Non-Negotiable
Any organisation offering veterinary treatments must do so using suitably qualified individuals who are registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). This ensures that animals receive the proper medical care they need from professionals who are trained and accountable. Always confirm that any veterinary services provided are conducted by licensed practitioners. If not, that is not real rescue.
Beware of Personal Bank Accounts
If an organisation asks you to deposit funds into their personal savings account or any other account not in the name of the organisation, beware! A legitimate charity should have a registered bank account that is audited every year. Request a bank account confirmation document from within the last three months to ensure your hard-earned money is truly helping an animal in need and not funding someone’s weekend away. That is not a real rescue.
Social Media Emotional Blackmail
Beware of organisations that use emotional manipulation to tug at your heartstrings with dire threats: “We will have to euthanise this dog/cat without YOUR support!” If fundraising feels more like exploitation than rescue, it’s vital to think critically about their tactics. Organisations that consistently showcase sick animals while threatening to take healthy ones to the SPCA create an environment of fear rather than genuine compassion. Scrutinise social media content for staged rescues or irresponsible use of imagery. A lack of a website or social media presence raises significant red flags, and that is not real rescue.
Fake Shelters and Misleading Information
It is essential to visit the shelter you’re considering supporting. Verify its existence by assessing the facility. Check if their enclosures are clean, if animals have enough space, and if proper records are maintained. A fire safety plan must be in place, and staff should be trained in animal care. Additionally, any rescue should be affiliated with a veterinary welfare or private hospital facility that can verify their credibility. Any rescue should also have an open-door policy for the public to easily access their premises and validate their existence; if not, that is not real rescue.
Overcrowding and Under-Resourcing
“We are a pro-life/no-kill shelter and we always have space for more!” This reckless approach leads to catastrophic consequences for the animals, as a shelter without limits becomes a breeding ground for suffering.
Overcrowding severely affects the health of animals, causing stress, spreading diseases, and limiting access to adequate food, water, and medical care. Shelters must have a compassionate euthanasia policy to prevent suffering. If there is little effort put into rehoming and adoptable pets are hard to find, that is a serious warning sign. That is not real rescue.
Rescues That Buy Puppies Contribute to the Problem
This practice only increases supply and demand, encouraging backyard breeding and exacerbating the problem. That is not real rescue.
A “Too Easy” Adoption Process is a Red Flag
Claims that every dog is friendly to everyone are unrealistic. Not every dog is suitable for any home. Every pet must go through a mandatory quarantine period to prevent the spread of diseases. The adoption application should include a physical home check, as photos or video calls cannot always guarantee the safety of a pet. Getting a pet should not be as easy as buying a loaf of bread. That is not real rescue.
Suspicious Vet Bills
Veterinary expenses that are suspiciously high or low can indicate problems. High bills may suggest issues like fights in overcrowded conditions, while low bills could imply neglect. Animals should not suffer without proper veterinary care. That is not real rescue.
Transparency and Legitimacy Matter
The history of the organisation is crucial. It should be registered and willing to provide certificates, including their Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) registration, tax-exempt status, and any relevant animal welfare certifications. A valid tax clearance certificate is essential for legitimacy. Organisations should be audited every year, and staff must be paid fairly. Transparency regarding funding sources is necessary. If the shelter is not open about its operations, that is not real rescue. A clear vision, mission statement, and constitution should also be shared with the public.
Be the Voice for Animals
Always ask questions, trust your instincts, and remember: it’s up to you to report animal cruelty, and it’s also up to you to avoid funding it.
If you suspect animal cruelty, report it to your local SPCA or animal welfare organisation with a qualified and authorised animal welfare inspector.
Support real rescue, stop funding cruelty.
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