Skip to main content

Our work in Africa

Humane World for Animals tackles the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. We make change at scale, advocating for policy change at all levels of government and working with companies so that they can be kinder to animals their businesses impact. We work in partnership with communities, bringing diverse expertise to the most complex issues, and doing it all with a compassionate and welcoming approach.  

Our impact

We envision a world without animal cruelty, where humans and animals coexist peacefully. In Africa, we work to promote non-lethal solutions to human-wildlife conflicts, improve the lives of animals raised for food, end the illegal wildlife and captive big cat trade, advocate for a more plant-forward food system, increase access to spay/neuter services and primary veterinary care for companion animals, ending cosmetics animal testing and helping animals in disaster situations.  

70%
female breeding-age elephants

outside Kruger National Park have received an immunocontraceptive vaccine

60+
chimpanzees retired from research

have a permanent home at our sanctuary in Liberia

1,300+
dogs and cats

in South Africa have been sterilized through our Healthy Pets, Healthier Communities initiative

Where we work

Humane World for Animals is a leading force for animal protection across the continent. In South Africa, we have active campaigns to improve conditions for farmed animals, protect wildlife, reduce the use of animals in testing and better protect companion animals. In Liberia, our Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge provides lifetime care to more than 60 chimpanzees who were used in invasive research for decades. 

Latest News

Press Release
Filters
Workshop for children

Rashmi V

India
Skit, poster-making and storytelling workshop builds children’s awareness on the need to protect animals during heat wave

KASARGOD, Kerala—A two-day workshop on heat wave preparedness for animals conducted at Padanna Kadappuram HSS School helped students learn about the impact of extreme heat on animals and proactive ways to help. The workshop, conducted by Humane World for Animals India (formerly

Guinea pig

Nils Schirmer/Unsplash

Ending animal testing
Europe
Roundtable report shapes EC Roadmap for phasing out animal testing in chemical safety

BRUSSELS—A new roundtable report on phasing out animal testing in chemical safety assessments makes a significant contribution to the continuing drive to promote the development and implementation of non-animal methods. The “EU Roadmap for Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments

Rooster

Melissa Lee

United States
As Maryland’s 2025 legislative session concludes, advocates celebrate landmark animal welfare reforms

ANNAPOLIS—As the 2025 legislative session ends, the Maryland legislature has proven that even during one of the most challenging political environments in recent years, support for animal welfare remains a top priority among lawmakers. The session included a historic first in humane

A matador thrusts swords into an exhausted bull in a bullfighting arena

HSI 2010

Mexico
Michoacán becomes the sixth Mexican state to ban bullfighting

MICHOACÁN, Mexico—In an historic move reflecting evolving societal values and animal welfare concerns, Michoacán has officially banned bullfighting, marking a significant step towards a more compassionate treatment of animals. This landmark decision makes Michoacán the sixth state in Mexico to prohibit the

EU chicken welfare roundtable

Elise Allart/Humane World for Animals

Europe
Policymakers urged to strengthen chicken welfare standards at European Parliament roundtable

BRUSSELS—Last week, participants in the “Chicken Welfare Roundtable: Collaboration for Change” at the European Parliament called for urgent reforms to improve the lives of chickens raised solely for meat—often referred to as “broiler” chickens—in the European Union. The roundtable brought together policymakers

Two cute kittens playing outside

Westend61/Getty Images

United States
More Than a Pet has supported over 570,000 pets and their families

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2025)—Across the country, families are struggling to afford necessities, including veterinary care and pet supplies. This hardship is even more severe for those burdened by systemic poverty, and the over 20 million pets in the U.S. who live with

Dog in Lucknow, India

Abhishek Rastogi

Dog and cat welfare
India
84% of Lucknow’s street dogs are now sterilized and vaccinated through city-wide program that has reached over 89,000 dogs in six years

LUCKNOW, Uttar Pradesh—The vast majority of street dogs in Lucknow (84%) have been sterilized, a recent survey conducted by Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International/India) reveals. The charity has sterilized and rabies-vaccinated more than 89,000 dogs across the

Pit bull-looking dog

Chad Sisneros/Humane World for Animals

United States
Washington, D.C. passes comprehensive law to expand housing access for residents with pets

WASHINGTON — With the passage of the Pets in Housing Act ( B25-0827) Washington, D.C. took a decisive step to support pet owners and address challenges associated with the nation’s housing crisis. Championed by D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Roscoe’s Law, named for

Chimp at a sanctuary in Liberia

Humane World for Animals

Ending animal testing
Liberia
Africa
World-renowned primate experts help charity relocate former laboratory chimps for ambitious Liberia sanctuary upgrade

MONROVIA, Liberia ― Some of the world’s most respected primate veterinarians gathered in Liberia to help animal charity Humane World for Animals temporarily relocate a group of former laboratory chimpanzees so that their unique island sanctuary home can get an upgrade. The

Help us end animal cruelty

Start saving lives today by making a one-time gift—or protect animals worldwide all year long with a monthly contribution.