Disaster response South Africa

While South Africa has established disaster management and emergency response systems, there is currently no formal legal protocol within the Incident Command System of National Disaster Management Act (57 of 2002) for the rescue and protection of animals during emergencies. As a result, animals are often overlooked during disaster response efforts, despite being among the most vulnerable victims of fires, floods and other crises.

Mneno Malizole/Humane World for Animals South Africa

Through our disaster response programme, Humane World for Animals South Africa helps address this critical gap by providing emergency rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and reunification for animals affected by disasters. We are also working with the city of Cape Town to raise awareness in communities such as Langa and Khayelitsha, which have been severely affected by shack fires and flooding in recent years.

In partnership with Mdzananda Animal Clinic, we responded to fires in Khayelitsha in January and February 2026. Several of the rescued animals suffered injuries, including burns, smoke inhalation, dehydration and shock. All injured animals received prompt veterinary treatment, including wound care, pain management and supportive therapy. They were also provided with nutritious food and clean water to help stabilise their condition and begin the recovery process.

Ayanda Komani/Humane World for Animals

Humane World for Animals provides dogs and cats rescued from disasters with rehabilitation to support their physical recovery and emotional wellbeing. Where possible, pets are reunited with their owners once conditions are safe and stable.

Through our community outreach workshops, we give awareness education on the dos and don’ts while rescuing and caring for animals during disasters.

Humane World for Animals is aiming to engage the national government to include protocols for animal protection and rescue in the incident command systems and disaster management protocols.