More than 4 million cats and dogs are homeless in South Africa. This number represents 22% of all pets in the country. This information is contained in the latest Mars State of Pet Homelessness Index.
Over 4 million cats and dogs are homeless in South Africa
The Director of Corporate Affairs at Mars Southern Africa, Suraya Hamdulay says several animal welfare organizations from around the world participated in the survey, which investigated homeless pets in 20 countries.
Common challenges
“The report identified common challenges, including limitations in pet-friendly housing, pet behaviour concerns, and a significant number of lost pets not being reunited with their owners,” adds Hamdulay.
READ MORE: About pet homelessness
She says, “Mars has pledged to support 30 million vulnerable pets over the next five years.”
The hidden plight of pets worldwide
According to Hamdulay, the research sheds light on the hidden plight of pets worldwide. It also aims to drive informed and targeted actions to address this crisis.
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Mars pledged $500 000 to Humane Society International to fund projects in India, South Africa, and Mexico. This will focus on interventions, informed by the data.
The global scale of the issue
The scale of this issue is staggering. An estimated 362 million homeless cats and dogs face challenges on the streets or languishing in shelters globally.
