By Dickson Bandera
The Harare Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is grappling with an unprecedented influx of stray, surrendered, and abandoned animals, with more than 1,000 dogs taken in between January and May 2025 alone.
The surge has pushed the shelter’s facilities, staff, and finances to the brink, triggering what management has described as an “extremely critical” situation.
New figures from the SPCA show a disturbing rise in animal intake paired with a sharp decline in adoption rates. Kennels are overflowing, food and medical supplies are dwindling, and Zimbabwe’s erratic electricity supply is compounding operational challenges.
The Harare SPCA plays a vital role in ensuring public safety by rescuing stray and abandoned animals, many of which roam freely and pose threats such as bites, disease transmission, and road accidents. Through sheltering, vaccinating, and rehoming these animals, the SPCA protects both human and animal lives, particularly in urban spaces where stray dogs are increasingly linked to public health and safety concerns.
Animal Welfare Statistics: 2025 vs. 2024
Stray Dogs. 331. vs. 674
Surrendered Dogs. 536. vs. 1,324
Abandoned Dogs. 52. vs 90
Adult Dog Adoptions. 62. vs 199
Puppy Adoptions. 20. vs. 50
Stray Cats. 228 vs 380
Surrendered Cats. 124 vs 164
Abandoned Cats. 15. vs 18
Adult Cat Adoptions 13 vs 36
Kitten Adoptions. 12 vs 30
Despite these efforts, the shelter acknowledges that these figures represent only a fraction of animals in need. Thousands more suffer on the streets, never reaching the safety of the SPCA’s gates.
Every rescued animal is examined, checked for microchips, vaccinated, kenneled, and fed twice daily—a process that comes with mounting operational costs. Power outages have forced the shelter to run on generators around the clock to preserve food, vaccines, and surgical functionality.
“No ZESA means our generator runs constantly, burning diesel to keep freezers, fridges, and theatre equipment operational,” said an SPCA spokesperson. “Our driver is also stretched, collecting strays under dangerous conditions, while basic tasks like cleaning and feeding continue to strain our limited resources.”
Urgent Appeal for Support
The Harare SPCA has launched an urgent appeal to the public for donations via EcoCash or FBC Bank to help cover rising fuel, food, and medical expenses. The shelter is also calling on individuals and families to adopt, foster, volunteer, or raise awareness to help manage the crisis.
“We do not have limitless space, staff, or funding,” the shelter emphasized. “With facilities full to overflowing, community support is the only way we can prevent an animal welfare catastrophe.”
The Harare SPCA continues to be a lifeline—not only for the animals it rescues, but also for the communities it protects.
How You Can Help
Donate via EcoCash or FBC Bank to support daily operations
Adopt or foster animals to free up urgently needed space
Volunteer or share SPCA’s messages to raise awareness and encourage action
