Pet abandonment: uncovering the dark side of the holiday season

In South Africa, the festive season often hides a heartbreaking reality for thousands of domestic animals. 

While most families are celebrating, local shelters such as the SPCA, Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG), TEARS and other animal shelters face a devastating surge in pet abandonment.

Every December and January, animal welfare organisations in Durban, Gauteng, Cape Town, and across the country face immense pressure. This surge is caused by everything from the "Christmas puppy" phenomenon to animals fleeing in terror from New Year's fireworks, pushing these organisations to their breaking point

Recently, two dogs were rescued from the Wilgespruit River in Muldersdrift, Cape Town. 

"We suspect (the dogs were) thrown into and swept downriver from the Peter Road bridge in Honeydew," said DA councillor Shan Cochrane. 

Elmien and Daniel Parker from Absolut Security rescued the dogs who had scrambled onto a small island in the middle of the river. The dogs were taken to the Ruimsig Veterinary Surgery to be treated.

"It is very sad to note that the dumping of cats and dogs on the plots is not an unusual occurrence - every December the Muldersdrift community see a spike in dumped pets as people want to go away on holiday but can't be bothered to make proper arrangements for pet care, believing it's easier to dump their pets and replace them with new kittens or pups in January," said Cochrane. 

"A shameful and traumatic act that puts these poor animals in danger and more often than not puts the stress of rescue on the animal-loving rural community of Muldersdrift."

"Before people dump pets on road sides, please consider surrendering them to the local SPCA," Cochrane advised.

The pet abandonment crisis is driven by a complex mix of core factors:

• The "holiday gift" regret: Many puppies and kittens are bought as Christmas presents. By mid-January, when the "new car smell" wears off and the reality of house-training, chewing and vet bills sets in, these animals are often surrendered to shelters.

• Travel and inconvenience: Owners frequently realise too late that kennels are fully booked or too expensive. In some cases, pets are simply left at home with a large bowl of food, which leads to starvation or "accidental abandonment" when the animal escapes seeking human contact.

• Fireworks and thunderstorms: December in SA is the peak of both summer storms and New Year’s fireworks. The loud noises trigger a "fight or flight" response; thousands of pets bolt from their yards, becoming "strays" that are never reclaimed by owners who are away on holiday.

• The "upgrade" mentality: Shockingly, shelters report cases where older, loyal pets are abandoned specifically to make room for a new, younger "Christmas puppy" for the children.

Animal welfare organisation Four Paws are calling on South Africans to make animal welfare a priority in 2026.

“Making animal welfare a focal point of our resolutions is a powerful way to create positive change for animals, whether through daily acts of kindness or broader lifestyle adjustments.

"Small, committed actions truly matter, and with a collective effort, we can build a future where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve," shares Fiona Miles, director of Four Paws South Africa.

She shares the following tips:

• Educate and inspire: Share knowledge about animal welfare issues with friends, schools and social groups. Change starts with conversation.
• Be a responsible pet owner: Ensure pets are sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped. Keep them safe during firework season and provide enrichment and companionship.
• #EatKinder: Reduce animal products in your diet. Try a plant-based braai with local favourites like grilled mielies and chakalaka. Every meat-free meal helps reduce animal suffering and environmental impact.
• Support ethical brands: Choose cruelty-free and animal-friendly products. Your purchasing power can shape a kinder marketplace.
• Advocate for animals: Download the FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Advocacy Guide to learn how to engage with local government, sign petitions and host awareness events in your community.

"By committing to these resolutions, we can start the year with intention and purpose, knowing we are making a meaningful impact. Kindness is a choice we make every day. Let’s make it a movement," Miles added.