The Animal Anti-Cruelty League as a welfare organisation holds the position that it is morally acceptable for humans to use non-human animals, provided that all adverse effect on animals are minimised as far as possible. Consideration should be given to their wellbeing and to the prevention of suffering of animals, especially when they are under the care of humans. The following are the internationally recognised precepts of Freedoms that all animal should enjoy:

  • Freedom from hunger and thirst
  • Freedom from physical discomfort and pain
  • Freedom from injury and disease
  • Freedom from fear and distress
  • Freedom to conform to essential behavioural patterns

It is always concerning to us at AACL when social media spreads negativity about the plight of individual animals in our care.  What social media followers do not take into account are, as in the case of AACL Jhb that there are 280 other animals looking for homes and are all as needy as the other. It is also unfair to prioritise one animal over the rest through social media, especially when the general public do not know the history behind the individual animals.

In SA, people are losing their jobs and homes daily, they are cutting costs, so are reluctant to taking on more animals – it the responsible thing to do!

AACL do not foster out our animals, we are not a pro-life facility but an independent welfare organisation, where on occasions the need to euthanase arises, as sad and unpleasant as that is, we do not advocate that animals should be left to live out their life in a cage if they are not “adoptable”.   Euthanasia is always done with dignity and compassion and the animals are cremated. We do not have the option of turning animals away because we are “full”. Our policy is that we will accept all animals that require our assistance.

So please, think twice before fuelling the spread of negative untruths about animal shelters, we are all doing the best we can in the economic climate we find ourselves in.

When in doubt, ask us how you can help!

Contact AACL Jhb on 011 435 0672 or email jhb@aacl-jhbnb.co.za for more information.