Latest news with #FourPaws
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
World Lion Day: Call for urgent action as captive lion ban stalls
Ahead of World Lion Day on August 10, Four Paws has welcomed the stance of Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, against lion exploitation and his commitment to ending captive breeding. 'This World Lion Day must be a turning point,' said the director of the animal welfare organisation of Four Paws, Fiona Miles. 'We owe it to every lion suffering in captivity to act now and not in another year or two.' The minister confirmed last month that the department is making rapid progress toward publishing a prohibition notice that will ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities in South Africa. In April 2024, the department published a policy position. It is committed to ending the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and closing captive lion facilities, putting a halt to the intensive breeding of lions in controlled environments, and ending the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions. Yet, more than a year later, implementation is lagging, and public patience is running thin. Parliamentarians and the National Council of SPCAs have also voiced strong support, citing shocking evidence of squalid conditions, starvation, disease, and neglect in captive facilities. Thobile Zulu-Molobi, ministerial spokesperson, confirmed to Rekord on August 7 that such a notice has not been published as yet. This decision of putting such a notice out forms part of broader efforts to phase out intensive breeding practices for commercial purposes and strengthen the country's biodiversity laws under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004. 'This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,' said George. 'By addressing critical animal well-being provisions in the regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa's natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders.' The Lion Prohibition Notice will implement a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and is in line with the objectives of the Policy Position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros. The notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices. The required 30-day consideration period has passed after the notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on June 10. The department has completed critical administrative steps for promulgation. Miles told Rekord they welcome George's clear stance and progress toward ending South Africa's captive lion breeding industry. 'The move to prohibit new captive lion facilities is a critical and overdue step in addressing one of the country's most harmful wildlife practices.' She explained that with around 8 000 lions and an unknown number of tigers suffering in captivity at any given time, there is no time to waste. 'We strongly support the publishing of the Lion Prohibition Notice as a starting point for real, enforceable change.' To Miles, the notice is, however, still a far cry from enacting a full prohibition on the commercial breeding and keeping of captive lions, as has been undertaken by the department. 'We stand ready to assist with our global expertise in animal welfare, sanctuary care, and the responsible rehoming of rescued big cats, to facilitate the closure of the captive lion sector. The phase-out must be comprehensive, and we'll continue to advocate for the welfare of all big cats caught in this cruel industry,' she said. 'We fully support Minister George's commitment to shutting down the industry, but action cannot wait any longer. 'We are urgently awaiting the implementation plans of the department and stand ready to support with our global expertise in sanctuaries, animal welfare, and the long-term care of rescued big cats.' Captive lions in South Africa are bred not for conservation, but for profit. They are used for cub petting, walking with experiences, wildlife selfies, and the lion bone trade. Recent animal cruelty convictions, including cases of lions starved to death on a Free State farm, have revealed the systemic abuse at the heart of this industry. 'South Africa has a responsibility to lead with integrity,' added Miles. 'Allowing commercial exploitation while claiming conservation sends a dangerous, contradictory message to the world.' While the department is in the process of enacting legislation to prohibit the establishment of new captive facilities, it is still unclear how and when they intend to implement a complete closure of the captive breeding, keeping, and trade sector. To ensure meaningful change, Miles is calling on the South African government to end all commercial breeding, keeping, and trade of big cats and their parts, with a complete phase-out of captive facilities by 2030. She also urged the government to prohibit the private keeping of big cats, as well as the use of big cats in circuses. 'These steps cannot be symbolic gestures. South Africa's reputation as a conservation leader is at stake,' said Miles. How the public can help this World Lion Day – Avoid cub petting, lion walks, or any captive big cat interactions. – Support ethical sanctuaries. – Help your friends and family understand the difference between true sanctuaries and those operating for profit. – Speak up: Urge decision-makers to fully implement the policy position to end captive lion keeping, breeding, and trade. A highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning documentary on captive lions is now available for free viewing on the Ultimate Nature Documentaries YouTube channel. Four years since its premiere at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, this hard-hitting, powerful documentary is as relevant as ever. Lions, Bones & Bullets lays bare the truth behind captive lion breeding and the lion bone trade. Graphic detail can be upsetting to sensitive viewers. Watch the FULL Lions, Bones & Bullets doc below: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Business Wire
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Central Garden & Pet Aids Flood-Affected Communities in Texas Through Partnership With Greater Good Charities and Hill Country Humane Society
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As communities in Kerr County, Texas, and surrounding areas, face the aftermath of severe flooding, Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) has taken swift action to help families and animals in need. The company has contributed a $25,000 cash donation to each of Greater Good Charities and the Hill Country Humane Society to accelerate emergency relief efforts and support recovery operations in the hardest-hit areas. Central's commitment goes beyond corporate contributions. Employees across the company have stepped up in meaningful ways—volunteering time, collecting donations, and supporting the Texas flood response efforts with compassion and urgency. In addition to financial aid, Central is collaborating closely with Greater Good Charities and the local Texas animal shelter, Hill Country Humane Society, to deliver critical resources to affected communities. The organizations have activated on-the-ground operations, distributing essential goods and support for both people and their pets. Comprehensive Support for Displaced Animals Central's brand teams and operations network have coordinated to supply urgently needed items that provide care, comfort, and nourishment to displaced animals: K&H® Pet Products: Donated dog cots and cat beds to shelters and rescue sites FourPaws®: Provided training pads to support hygiene for pets in temporary housing Barkworthies®: Supplied chews to nourish dogs and reduce stress and anxiety 'Disasters like these put immense pressure on both people and pets. We believe it's our responsibility to respond with empathy and action,' said Niko Lahanas, CEO of Central Garden & Pet. 'We're proud to support the relief work of Greater Good Charities and the Hill Country Humane Society, and stand beside the communities of Texas as they recover.' 'Collaboration with trusted partners is everything to us,' said Sára Varsa, Executive Vice President of Greater Good Charities. 'Thanks to support from partners like Central Garden & Pet, we are able to provide critical supplies to the hardest hit communities during times of crisis.' 'This support from Central Garden & Pet has been nothing short of lifesaving,' said Paighton Corley, Executive Director, Hill Country Humane Society. 'Thanks to this generosity, we've cared for animals in our shelter, responded to urgent needs in our community, and provided emergency aid to pets displaced by the floods—even reaching small rural shelters outside our usual service area. This funding allows us to act quickly, save lives, and bring hope to families and animals in crisis. It shows the real, lasting impact that compassionate people can make together.' Employee-Driven Relief Efforts Central's commitment goes beyond corporate contributions. Employees across the company have stepped up in meaningful ways—volunteering time, collecting donations, and supporting the flood response efforts with compassion and urgency. For more on how to support Greater Good Charities' work in Texas and other locations, visit To support the great work of Hill Country Humane Society, visit About Central Garden & Pet Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 45 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company's innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro ®, Aqueon ®, Cadet ®, C&S ®, Farnam ®, Ferry-Morse ®, Four Paws ®, Kaytee ®, Nylabone ® and Pennington ®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with more than 6,00 employees, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more. About Greater Good Charities Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal on GuideStar, has invested more than $750 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit or follow Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. About Country Hill Humane Society The Hill Country Humane Society (HCHS) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to managing animal admission in our compassionate shelter facility. We proudly partner with Llano and Burnet counties, as well as the cities of Burnet, Bertram, Granite Shoals, Cottonwood Shores, and Horseshoe Bay, to provide exceptional sheltering services for homeless dogs and cats in need.
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Organisation urges action against commercial lion exploitation ahead of World Lion Day
As South Africa gears up to commemorate World Lion Day on August 10, global animal welfare organisation Four Paws underscores the urgent need to put an end to the commercial exploitation of lions. The organisation has applauded Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dion George's commitment to phasing out the captive lion breeding industry, a move that could change the lives of thousands of big cats suffering behind bars. It is reported that currently, an estimated 8 000 lions are held captive in over 300 facilities across the country, making South Africa home to one of the world's largest commercial big cat industries. The use of lions for profit through practices such as cub petting and walking experiences grossly overshadows conservation efforts. Despite a promise made in 2021 to phase out the industry, implementation has been painfully slow, leaving many animals in distressing conditions. 'FOUR PAWS fully supports Minister George's commitment to shutting down the industry, but action cannot wait any longer,' stated Fiona Miles, Director of Four Paws South Africa. 'We are urgently awaiting the implementation plans of the Department and stand ready to support with our global expertise in sanctuaries, animal welfare, and the long-term care of rescued big cats.' The organisation also reveals that the horrors of this industry were recently spotlighted by several animal cruelty convictions revealing the disturbing realities faced by these captive lions. Miles added, 'South Africa has a responsibility to lead with integrity. Allowing commercial exploitation while claiming conservation sends a dangerous, contradictory message to the world.' To catalyse meaningful change, the organisation urges the South African government to take decisive action, which includes: Ban all commercial trade: End commercial breeding, keeping, and trade of big cats and their parts, with a complete phase-out of captive facilities by 2030. Prohibit private keeping: Implement strict rules against the private keeping of big cats and their use in circuses. Strengthen regulations: Establish a centralised database to monitor all captive big cats and their facilities. Close loopholes: Harmonise provincial regulations to eliminate inconsistencies that allow illegal trade to prosper. Global cooperation: Lead international discussions implementing CITES decisions for big cat protection. 'This cannot be a symbolic gesture. South Africa's reputation as a conservation leader is at stake. This World Lion Day must be a turning point. We owe it to every lion suffering in captivity to act now and not in another year or two.' Saturday Star
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Met Office tells Brits to do 5-second test before heading outside this weekend
A third official heatwave is on the horizon and with the country being a nation of dog owners, Brits have been urged to carry out a quick test before going on walkies Summer is in full swing, and with another heatwave officially here dog owners are being warned of pavement temperatures soaring across the nation. Before heading off for their daily walk, dog owners are being told to test the ground's temperature by doing a five-second tarmac test. The Met Office said: 'If it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws.' According to Four Paws, pavement temperatures can be even hotter than the surrounding environment. Taking a four-legged friend out in midday temperatures can therefore cause their pads to burn. Darker surfaces, such as the slate grey colour of tarmac, can also be hotter than lighter stones often seen in town centres and high streets. If conducting such a test makes anyone pull their hand away instantly, this is a key sign the ground is not a suitable temperature for the pup, and in such an instance, the daily walk should be abandoned. That's at least until the late evening, when thermometers may have cooled and the ground is a more tolerable heat. The summer's UV rays can pose some serious health risks to an array of dogs. Chances of them getting sick from the high temperatures increases, especially for older pets, flat-faced breeds or those with existing illnesses such as heart or lung diseases, the Met Office has warned. READ MORE: UK weather: Your rights when working from home or in the office during heatwave But the humidity can also get to dogs when they are at home, so they must have access to fresh water at all times, as well as proper ventilation and space with shade to avoid the sun. When will the UK be at its hottest? Met Office chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: 'High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. "Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month. This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer. "Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. They are expected to reach 30C in some areas today and exceed 30C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33C possible in parts of England and Wales.'
CTV News
07-07-2025
- CTV News
Lion owners arrested after an attack on woman and her 2 children in Pakistan
A 4-year-old lion named Simba, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is released into an enclosure at the Lionsrock Lodge and Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) LAHORE — The owners of a pet lion that escaped from a farmhouse and injured a woman and her two children have been arrested in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, authorities said Sunday. The arrest comes after dramatic video footage surfaced showing the lion leaping over a wall before attacking the victims in a residential area. The woman and her 5- and 7-year-old children sustained injuries to their faces and arms on Wednesday night when the lion escaped from its cage, police official Faisal Kamran said. According to a police report, the children's father told police that the lion's owners stood by and watched as the animal clawed at his family, making no effort to restrain it. The lion later returned to the owners' farmhouse and was relocated to a wildlife park, police said. Keeping exotic animals such as lions is considered a status symbol among some wealthy Pakistanis, despite the legal requirements and high fees associated with ownership. The Associated Press
