Target: John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
Goal: Establish enforceable national minimum standards after companion animal shelters were left without formal regulation or protection safeguards.
A profound concern has emerged around the absence of nationally recognised minimum standards governing companion animal shelters. Without formal oversight, shelter governance, operational practices and animal-care protections will remain inconsistent across regions. This lack of structure could leave vulnerable dogs and cats exposed to uneven care conditions and uncertain welfare outcomes.
Sector representatives engaged with hundreds of shelters across multiple provinces and identified systemic pressure, resource shortages and gaps in coordinated support. The absence of binding guidance may contribute to fragmented practices and reduced accountability, conditions that could place already vulnerable animals at heightened risk. Limited funding, geographic isolation, overpopulation of animals and inconsistent municipal involvement intensify these vulnerabilities.
Because shelters are entrusted with the safety and humane treatment of defenseless companion animals, any regulatory vacuum that may permit inconsistent welfare conditions demands urgent corrective action. Demand authorities establish transparent, enforceable national minimum standards to safeguard animal well-being, strengthen accountability and ensure ethical, sustainable shelter operations.
PETITION LETTER:
Minister Steenhuisen,
Companion animal shelters across the country are operating without nationally recognised minimum welfare and governance standards. Such an absence of enforceable protections could leave dogs and cats vulnerable to inconsistent care, uneven oversight and preventable suffering.
Findings drawn from extensive sector engagement highlight systemic pressure, limited resources and fragmented operational guidance. These conditions may weaken accountability and reduce the ability of shelters to guarantee humane, ethical and consistent treatment of animals placed in their care.
We respectfully urge your office to implement binding national minimum standards, transparent oversight mechanisms, and enforceable welfare protections for all companion animal shelters. Strong regulatory action is essential to protect vulnerable animals, strengthen sector accountability and secure humane care nationwide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Mia X
