Mauritius is home to several animal welfare organisations that preserve the island’s unique wildlife. This article ranks the best animal NGOs in Mauritius.

The term “animal welfare” can evoke a sense of calm or well-being for the conscious consumer, especially when it appears on a carton of eggs or a jug of milk, proclaiming that animals were treated humanely during the creation of these products. But these claims often obscure the dark realities of where and how these products were made—on factory farms that systematically condemn animals to lives of extreme confinement, stress, pain, and even torture. NGOs provide vital assistance to endangered species and promote responsible management of Mauritius’ diverse ecosystems.

The following is a list of the best animal NGOs in Mauritius:

1. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF)

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is a non-governmental organisation whose goal is to preserve the future of indigenous species by researching how to restore and manage the ecosystem and saving endemic Mauritian and Rodriguan fauna and flora. The organisation is renowned for preserving most bird species worldwide, serving as a consultant for restoration methods, and conducting CSR and ecotourism initiatives.

The MWF is a member of the IUCN, a partner of BirdLife International, and a member of several other international alliances, including the Alliance for Zero Extinction and Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

The aims of the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation are:

• To restore all ecosystems to conserve Mauritian species that are in danger.
• To conduct field research, manage data, study endemic species, and collaborate with other scientists to find new information that can be directly applied to management and restoration techniques.
• To impart restoration programme knowledge to other Mauritian and worldwide conservationists.
• To introduce the Mauritian people to the pleasures and advantages of the local wilderness and animals.
• To ensure the survival of Mauritian species through revenue generated and responsible management of available capital, human, and financial resources.

2. Second Chance Animals Rescue (SCAR)

Initially, SCAR was a Facebook group started by the current president, Mr Sameer Golam (also known as “Sam”). It began with a small group of individuals who worked tirelessly with the limited means they each possessed to rescue stray animals, treat them medically, care for them in foster homes, and eventually arrange for their adoption into devoted families.

Daily stray animals are rescued by SCAR, which then arranges for their care in foster homes and eventually adoption under strict guidelines. However, this group of friends received a wake-up call when the number of strays increased due to the unfortunate incidents involving the government agency in charge of animal welfare, namely MSAW. They realised that more needed to be done if our nation were to improve the welfare of stray animals in our society.

The Catch, Neuter, and Release (CNR) Approach to animal welfare are used by SCAR. HSI has found this programme effective in nations with comparable socioeconomic backgrounds to Mauritius, such as Bhutan, India, and others. The programme entails roundups of stray animals in a given area, sterilisation, vaccination, and release following observation in the same place. This guarantees that the dog population won’t grow, and ongoing inspections guarantee the dogs’ overall health. SCAR’s primary goal is to work on initiatives to improve the welfare of animals in Mauritius, particularly stray cats and dogs. On social media, SCAR has more than 18,000 followers (and counting) who support the adoption and fostering processes.

3. Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) 

The Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) was established under the Animal Welfare Act 2013 in replacement of the Mauritius Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). The MSPCA was founded in 1958 to promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals, to ensure animal protection and conservation in the context of a humane environment.

In 2013, the Animal Welfare Act introduced a new concept for pet owners and those responsible for domestic animals. A Council administers the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW).

MSAW’s main objective is to encourage the handling of animals humanely and to stop animal abuse.

The Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security has also established the Animal Welfare Unit to address problems like animal abuse and unjust treatment. The inspectors of this particular unit are now authorised to issue formal notices, warnings, and in some circumstances, punishments.

4. Protection of Animals Welfare Society (PAWS)

An animal welfare NGO called PAWS runs two shelters and clinics in Mauritius. Our main priorities are sterilisation, education, and the rescue and rehoming of animals in need. We are an authorised non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Mauritius (registered with the National Social Inclusion Foundation – NSIF) and are entirely dependent on public donations and CSR sponsorship. We do not belong to any international organisations or political, racial, or religious organisations.

Through education and sterilisation, PAWS aims to better the lives of companion animals in Mauritius and help humanely manage the dog and cat population. Our mission is to stop all animal abuse, whether it results from carelessness, maltreatment, or intentional brutality. That all animals be handled kindly and respectfully.