A culture of caring for and protecting animals has significant benefits for the wellbeing of a society. Indeed, studies have shown that efforts to reduce cruelty to animals are likely to reduce the tolerance that communities have for interpersonal violence.
Our Courts have recognised that although the Animals Protection Act, 1962, may not be conferring rights on animals, it is designed to promote their welfare and it recognises that animals are sentient beings that are capable of suffering and of experiencing pain. The Constitutional Court specifically concluded that the “rationale behind protecting animal welfare has shifted from merely safeguarding the moral status of humans to placing intrinsic value on animals as individuals”.
Please share your comments and suggestions on what should be added to the bill – which will be presented to government and our courts by several civil society organisations to shape the Animals Protection Amendment Bill.
5721 participants, so far (closed 11 October).
Have your say – shape this policy.
It is necessary for the South African government to step in and not only give effect to the recognition of sentience of animals by our judiciary, but also to improve the level of protection that animals are afforded in South Africa. South Africa, a country that is on the forefront when it comes to the recognition and protection of human rights, was scored an “E” by World Animal Protection. This international NGO found South Africa lacking in respect of its commitment to improve and allocate resources to animal welfare, as well as in respect of developing laws to provide for sufficient protection of animals.
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