The greatness of a nation and its moral progress, said Mahatma Gandhi, can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Joburg has a number of animal rescue organisations which have been working in the field for decades, helping creatures that cannot help themselves. They look after abandoned pets, heal sick animals in town, township and informal settlement, educate the youth, investigate reports of animal cruelty and help animals find new, loving homes. There are also organisations that rescue wildlife, including garden birds, heal and rehabilitate them and return them to the wild.
 
Animal Anti-Cruelty League

The organisation - the second largest in the country, after the SPCA - has been caring for animals since 1956 and has facilities in major cities throughout the country. Its kennels in Johannesburg look after up to 300 lost, abandoned or stray dogs and cats every month and its adjoining animal hospital treats the animals of indigent owners - unemployed people, pensioners, and others who qualify as welfare beneficiaries. In addition, inspectors investigate cases of cruelty and mount rescue operations. They are on call 24 hours a day.  The AACL also runs educational programmes in schools, teaching more than 40 000 learners every year how to care for animals and the need to protect all species. And they run an annual artwork competition for learners, to raise awareness of animal welfare issues.
 
59 Alice Street

Regent's Park Extension
Johannesburg
Tel: 011 435 0672
Fax: 011 435 0693
Email: aacljhb@iafrica.com
Website: www.aacl.org.za

Opening Hours: The adoption kennels are open Mondays to Thursdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12pm. The kennels are however closed on Sundays and public holidays. The hospital is open Mondays to Thursdays from 1pm to 3.30pm, although on Wednesdays it stays open much later, closing only at 5pm. It is also open on Saturdays from 8.30am to 11am.