TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town has suspended all new pet rescue intakes as its facilities have reached full capacity, with 363 animals currently under care at its kennels, cattery, and in foster homes, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Of the animals in TEARS’ care, 75% are considered ready for adoption. The remaining 25% are either recovering from illness, injury, or trauma, or are too young to adopt and remain in the Puppy Foster Programme.
“This is a last resort,” said TEARS Operations Manager Mandy Store. “We can’t take in any more rescued or surrendered animals unless adoption rates rise significantly.”
Even TEARS’ emergency holding spaces, designed for short-term care of up to 16 animals, are full.
This comes after a similar announcement in December 2023, when the organization paused kennel admissions due to falling adoption rates.
“It’s heartbreaking what’s happening in the animal welfare sector,” said Lara Van Rensburg, TEARS’ Head of Fundraising. “Cape Town reflects a global crisis. Adoptions are not keeping up with the number of homeless pets that need homes.”
Van Rensburg is calling on local government and corporate donors to support mass sterilization programs and better enforcement of pet ownership laws. “Without action, irresponsible breeding and neglect will continue to drive overpopulation and suffering,” she said.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is also struggling under the weight of the crisis. According to spokesperson Belinda Abraham, the SPCA expects to admit over 20,000 animals this year, including more than 2,300 from other shelters. She warned that the “no-kill” label often used by some groups creates a misleading view of shelter realities.
Dr. Tania Heuer, Head Veterinarian at TEARS, said the organization opposes euthanizing healthy animals but has revised its policy. In rare cases—when no rehoming or transfer options exist—humane euthanasia may be the only responsible choice.
“TEARS is committed to animal welfare,” Heuer said. “But the burden on the SPCA is not fair or sustainable, and we must adapt to the crisis we’re facing.”
Since its founding in 1999, TEARS has rehomed over 22,500 pets. But adoption rates have dropped by nearly 40% in recent months, while the number of pet surrenders continues to rise due to economic hardship and a shortage of pet-friendly housing.
“We urge people to adopt, but only if they’re truly ready,” said Katie Butler, TEARS Kennel Manager. She referenced a 2022 Mars Pet Homelessness Report, which found that 15% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners consider giving up their pets within two years.
TEARS encourages the public to support its mission by adopting, donating, or contributing items to its charity shops, which help fund 30% of the organization’s operational costs.
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