Building Compassion, Preventing Cruelty, and Strengthening Communities Through Knowledge.
At the Society for Animals in Distress (SAID), we believe that meaningful change begins with education. Humane education is the heart of our One Welfare approach — empowering individuals, families, and communities to build healthier, safer, and more compassionate environments for both animals and people.
Our education programmes extend from community-based learning in Tembisa, Olivenhoutbosch, Ivory Park, and Diepsloot to school-based initiatives that nurture empathy in the next generation. Whether it’s teaching a child how to safely approach a dog, helping an owner understand nutrition and preventative care, or guiding young people toward careers in animal welfare, we are shaping long-term transformation where it matters most.
Humane education goes beyond animal care.
It is an evidence-based approach that teaches kindness, responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living beings — and in turn, promotes safer, more resilient communities.
Our work integrates:
Every lesson, demonstration, and interaction is guided by the internationally recognised Five Domains model:
Nutrition
Environment
Health
Behaviour
Mental State
By teaching these domains to adults and children, we empower communities to actively protect the physical and emotional well-being of the animals they care for.
One Welfare recognises the inseparable link between animal well-being, human well-being, and the environment.
When animals are cared for, communities thrive.
When communities thrive, animals live healthier lives.
When the environment is respected, everyone benefits.
In the communities we serve, access to resources is limited — but knowledge is powerful.
Our ground-level education includes practical demonstrations, one-on-one conversations, guidance on nutrition, preventative care, safe handling, and improving environmental conditions for animals.
We teach how One Welfare applies to daily life: when animals are treated with compassion, households become safer, cleaner, and more resilient — and children learn from the example set around them.
Children are the strongest catalysts for long-term change.
Our school programmes are interactive, age-appropriate and designed to make animal welfare both fun and meaningful. We teach safe animal interaction, emotional needs of animals, responsible care, and the Five Domains in a child-friendly way. We also explain how kindness to animals connects to kindness to people — reinforcing positive behaviour, respect, and conflict resolution.
By cultivating empathy in the foundation years, we strengthen the social fabric of schools and communities, keeping children safer while promoting the values that build humane, thriving societies.
There is a well-established link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence. Individuals who harm animals are significantly more likely to commit acts of violence against people, including domestic violence, child abuse, and criminal behaviour later in life. This cycle often begins in childhood.
Empathy development peaks in the foundation phase (ages 5–9) — a crucial window when the human brain forms its core emotional pathways. If compassion, respect, and emotional awareness are not modelled and reinforced during these early years, the risk of desensitisation, aggression, and normalisation of violence increases.
By introducing humane education at this critical developmental stage, SAID helps:
Strengthen emotional intelligence
Build empathy and social understanding
Reduce aggression and anti-social behaviour
Interrupt the cycle of violence
Promote healthier peer and family relationships
Humane education doesn’t just protect animals — it protects communities.
Education is the foundation on which lasting change is built.
By teaching humane principles rooted in One Welfare, the Five Domains, and early empathy development, SAID is nurturing compassion, reducing violence, and ensuring that every animal — and every person — has the chance to thrive.
Together, We Shape a Kinder Future.
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
