Animal welfare organisation Four Paws is sounding the alarm over South Africa’s growing stray pet population.

The group said more than four million dogs and cats are homeless, making up 22% of the country’s estimated 18 million household pets.

Four Paws warns that the crisis affects not only animals, but communities too, with an increased risk of dog bites and disease transmission.

Director Fiona Miles is urging the government to introduce legislative measures to ensure humane and effective population control.

"Humane solutions like sterilisation, microchipping, and vaccination are proven to work, and we need these principles embedded in law. Together, we can protect both people and animals."

*This article was first published by IOL News