One voice for animals in the Cape

CAWF is a forum of registered non-governmental animal welfare organisations working together to create one voice and an effective partnership with City.

About CAWF

In 2006 a number of Cape Town animal welfare groups met informally to discuss how best to reach animals via mobile clinics while not duplicating work.

These informal meetings were very useful in making sure areas were well serviced, and the little resource available to the communities was spread evenly.

These meetings were very positive and helpful and in 2012, the then Premier, Helen Zille requested a Summit be held at the City of Cape Town to address the situation in Cape Town regarding the welfare of animals.

Thereafter, the CAW Forum was constituted and developed into a more formal body of members. Organisations meet quarterly or when required, and a range of animal welfare related issues are discussed.

Upcoming Events

Support our events! We, and our members, rely on public support to co-ordinate our efforts to protect our animals.

Compassion Fatigue Workshop – October 2023

CAWF extends heartfelt thanks to Life Coach Kerrin Bain for her extensive workshop on compassion fatigue. Members of CAWF who work in the trenches, rescuing animals and dealing with extreme conditions including hostility from pet guardians have it hard, so a day...

World Animal Day 2023

The 2023 World Animal Day was held on Sea Point Promenade on 1 October and was a howling success! Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis, together with a host of wonderful celebrities and animal welfare ambassadors judged dozens of special furry friends, who paraded and strutted...

Dog Training Workshop

CAWF thanks DogtownSA, RRSA and the IMDT for a fantastic 2 day workshop on a range of dog handling and behavioural matters.  14 NGO’s from CAWF sent staff and handlers to attend the workshop, benefitting hundreds of dogs into the future!  ...

Animal welfare organisations celebrate resumption of Lottery funding

The National Lotteries Commission has reintroduced animal welfare funding in its call for applications for 2023/24 after it withdrew funding for 2022/23.

Fundraisers Wellness Day

19 MAY 2023 This is a new workshop idea which we hope to build on in the future in order to support the work of fundraisers in animal welfare.  We hosted the fabulous Alana James in the morning in order to address some of the challenges facing fundraisers and...

By Law Workshop

April 2023 CAWF was represented at a workshop held to discuss a proposed regulated breeding Bill to be introduced by DA Member of Parliament Hannah Winkler.  A host of subjects related to responsible pet care were discussed and we look forward to more news on the...

City and CAWF urge calm amid tensions over dog attacks

CITY OF CAPE TOWN MEDIA RELEASE The recent escalation in dog attacks, but also the latest attack on three pit-bulls in Athlone is cause for concern. The City and the Cape Animal Welfare Forum are appealing for calm – and responsible dog ownership. ‘The debate has been...

Animal Welfare should not be stripped of funding opportunities

CITY OF CAPE TOWN 7 OCTOBER 2022 STATEMENT BY MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, ALDERMAN JP SMITH Animal Welfare should not be stripped of funding opportunities The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has chosen to exclude animal welfare as a priority...

Mass Animals Sterilisation Project (MASP)

Once again, CAWF would like to extend thanks to City Health for the donation received to sterilise 1500 animals in the Tafelsig area. These ongoing contributions are a tremendous help in the on-going battle reduce animal suffering. Read more here

City supports animal adoption

The Cape Animal Welfare Forum(CAWF) together with the City’s Safety and Security Directorate will once again work together to promote and support animal adoption. Read more on the City of Cape Town website