Animal Anti-Cruelty League – Durban & Pietermaritzburg Branch

The Animal Anti-Cruelty League – Durban & Pietermaritzburg (AACL) has been caring for vulnerable animals since 1959. Founded by Joyce Northend with just eight shillings, sixpence, and a handful of volunteers, the organisation was built on compassion, perseverance, and a belief that every animal deserves care and dignity. Today, AACL Durban & PMB operates from Artesia Farm in Leckhampton Valley, serving the Greater Durban area and surrounding communities, particularly where access to animal welfare support is limited. Our mission is to reduce animal suffering and improve animal welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, responsible rehoming, and education – while supporting communities to care for their animals as best they can. At any given time, over 40 dogs and more than 70 cats are in our care. Each animal receives the individual attention they need to recover and thrive.

• Rescue, care, and rehabilitation:

We take in abandoned, injured, neglected, and vulnerable animals. Many arrive frightened, malnourished, or unwell. We rehabilitate them through patient care, proper nutrition, and emotional support, giving them the chance to heal and regain trust.

• Veterinary treatment and preventative care:

Every animal in our care is treated, vaccinated, sterilised, and monitored. This includes medical treatment, parasite control, and ongoing veterinary support to ensure long-term health and well-being.

• Adoption and lifelong care:

Once animals are ready, they are put up for adoption. Our aim is to find every animal in our care a loving forever home, and until then, we provide them with a safe place to stay. AACL Durban & PMB receives no government funding. Our work is made possible through donations, volunteers, and self-generated income from on-site initiatives such as our Charity Shop, and Dog and Cat Hotels. Every contribution directly supports the animals in our care. Caring for over 100 animals every day means constant veterinary costs, food, medication, and dedicated staff time. Your support helps us rehabilitate, treat, vaccinate, sterilise, and care for animals in need, while giving them safety, comfort, and a second chance at life. With your help, we can continue protecting animals and building a more compassionate future – one rescue at a time