FOUR PAWS Announces Online Livestream of 2025 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA

Public invited to watch and join the conversation on the future of animal welfare in South Africa

Cape Town, 06 August 2025 — FOUR PAWS South Africa is proud to announce that the highly anticipated 2025 State of Animal Welfare Address #SOAWA will take place online via livestream on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 (SAST). The annual event will be made accessible to the general public, offering all South Africans the opportunity to watch and contribute to the national conversation around animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Hosted annually by Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, #SOAWA is a high-level platform that brings together government, academia, civil society, and industry leaders to reflect on the state of animal welfare and identify bold, collaborative solutions for a humane and sustainable future.

This year’s theme, “Animal Welfare: A Pillar of One Health and Sustainable Development,” will focus on integrating animal welfare into South Africa’s One Health Action Plan, pandemic prevention strategies, and sustainable food systems.

Join the Online Livestream

• Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025
• Time: 10:00 – 11:00 (SAST)
• Location: YouTube
• RSVP: Follow this link [Here] to access the livestream. Subscribe to our channel to get the event notification.

What to Expect:

• A compelling keynote address by Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa
• A high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr Tedson Nkoana (Future Africa)

• Companion Animals - Dr André Coetzer, Technical Director at Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC)
• Farm Animals - Dr Masika Sophie, Global Health Policy Manager at World Federation for Animals (WFA)
• Wild Animals – Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa

• Real-time audience participation via live chat and Q&A
• Opportunities to contribute your thoughts on how animal welfare can shape public health, climate resilience, and food system transformation

“Animal welfare is no longer a fringe issue. It is central to the wellbeing of people, the health of our planet, and the resilience of our food systems. We invite all South Africans to join us in this crucial national conversation,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

Whether you're an animal advocate, student, policymaker, professional, or simply curious about how to live in greater harmony with animals and nature—this event is for you.