In early January 2026, devastating wildfires swept through the Eastern Cape, driven by extreme heat and powerful winds. The Kouga Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro were among the hardest hit, with the blazes forcing mass evacuations and destroying thousands of hectares of land. As the flames moved through areas, the NSPCA’s Disaster Response Teams were deployed to the front lines, providing emergency relief and ensuring that no animal was left behind.
Once the flames pass, the danger does not end for animals. Many are injured, disoriented, dehydrated or too weak to move. Our teams walk the burned veld metre by metre, listening, watching, searching for any sign of life and moving those who can still be helped to safety.
This work is slow, physically demanding, and emotionally heavy. But it is where animals are most likely to be forgotten.
In disasters like this, time matters.
The NSPCA’s Disaster Fund allows our teams to deploy immediately — covering fuel, equipment, protective gear, transport and days spent in the field. It is what turns concern into action, and intention into presence on the ground.
Without it, many animals would simply not be found.
Some animals are found hiding. Others are unable to move. Some are carried.
Each rescue is different, but the purpose is always the same: to prevent suffering from continuing unseen.
Our inspectors often work in silence, in heat, smoke and unstable terrain, knowing that every step could mean the aid for an animal who has already endured too much.
This response was not the work of one team alone.
Your contribution helps ensure that when the next fire, flood or crisis strikes, trained inspectors can respond immediately.
The Disaster Fund exists for moments like these — when animals cannot wait.
Thank you for standing with us and the animals who need us.
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
