SAID’s journey began in October 1958 with the establishment of the Bantu Animal Welfare Society (BAWS) — a visionary effort led by the late Didi Rutherford, a pioneer whose passion for animal welfare far outweighed the limited resources she had.
Armed with nothing more than:
A borrowed butchery van,
An unwavering determination, and
A heart that refused to turn away from suffering,
Didi entered impoverished communities where animals were abandoned, neglected, and in desperate need of help. Her mission was simple and powerful: to alleviate suffering wherever it was found.
In those early years, administrative records lived in a shoebox — but the impact lived in the hearts of the people and animals she served.
From these humble beginnings, SAID grew into one of South Africa’s most trusted and respected animal welfare organisations.
Today, SAID operates from a 4.7-hectare facility in Midrand, home to:
A state-of-the-art veterinary hospital,
A fully equipped equine clinic,
A dedicated administration centre, and
The beloved Barn Shop, which directly funds veterinary care.
Every year, thousands of animals receive professional veterinary treatment — from lifesaving surgeries to routine preventative care — regardless of their owners’ ability to pay.
SAID remains a pillar of compassion, resilience, and unwavering service. Our teams continue to stand in the gap for animals who would otherwise have no help — carrying forward the same determination that sparked this movement all those years ago.
With every case we treat, every child we teach, and every animal we save, the beacon grows brighter.
Important Notice: Festive Season Veterinary Services
Due to limited staff resources during the festive season, our hospital will only be available for emergency veterinary services during the following hours:
🩺 Monday – Friday: 08h00 – 13h00
🩺 Saturday: 09h00 – 12h00
🩺 Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
For emergencies outside these hours, we kindly request that you contact a private veterinarian or your local SPCA for assistance.
🔗 24-Hour Veterinary Facilities:
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this time. Wishing you and your furry companions a safe and happy festive season! 🎄🐾
Thank you for your support
