Who DAWN is and why we exist

DAWN is a legally registered, volunteer-driven forum that unites compliant animal welfare organisations across KwaZulu-Natal. We exist to elevate animal care, prevent cruelty, promote responsible pet ownership, care for wildlife, and hold our members to the highest ethical and legal standards.

We represent the collective voice of KZN’s rescue, rehab, sterilisation, and education efforts—amplifying their work while protecting all animals and the public from unethical practices.

See Our Code of Conduct

Why DAWN Exists

Animal welfare in South Africa faces major challenges:

  • Overbreeding and illegal trade
  • Cruelty and neglect in shelters or homes
  • Inconsistent or absent standards
  • Limited accountability across the sector

DAWN brings unity, structure, and accountability. By joining forces, we:

  • Speak with one voice to government, funders, and media
  • Create shared training, vetting, and resource systems
  • Help donors and the public confidently identify ethical organisations

What We Stand For

Our mission is to elevate animal welfare in KwaZulu-Natal by enforcing the following principles:

Our Core Values

  • Ethical Animal Treatment – guided by the globally recognised Five Freedoms.
  • Accountability – member inspections, public transparency, and zero tolerance for cruelty.
  • Sterilisation First – proactive, humane population control in all communities.
  • Public Education – building compassion, responsibility, and informed pet ownership.
  • Legal Compliance – adherence to the Animals Protection Act, PAPA, and by-laws.
View our full Standards

Who is the DAWN committee?

DAWN is managed by an elected Executive Committee, drawn from organisations that have demonstrated consistent ethical leadership and operational compliance.

Shaun Janke

Chairperson
Shaun is a strategic creative and fierce advocate for the vulnerable. As Chairperson of DAWN and a Magistrate-authorized animal welfare inspector, he leads with integrity, compassion, and bold vision. His work with SAFE spans rescue, rehabilitation, and urgent response—especially the extreme cases others might turn away from.

Kamil Sewsunker

Vice Chairperson
Kamil is an independent animal rescuer guided by instinct, compassion, and quiet courage. Without the banner of an organisation, she steps in wherever animals need help—offering safety, support, and solace with no expectation of recognition. Backed by a trusted circle of allies, her work is a series of deliberate, powerful acts of kindness that ripple outward, changing lives one rescue at a time.

Nicole Jack

Treasurer
Nicole is the founder of SerendiPitty Rescue, dedicated to the ethical rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of Pit Bull-type dogs. She is committed to breaking breed stereotypes and advocating for responsible ownership. Every dog in their care receives vetting, training, and love, with adoptions guided by a rigorous process to ensure lifelong success. Nicole’s work is rooted in education, compassion, and a fierce belief that every dog deserves a second chance.

Tracey Faught

Secretary/Compliance
Tracey is a devoted animal lover and proud fur mom. While not professionally involved in rescue work, she’s a committed advocate for animal welfare and ethical rescue practices, bringing heartfelt support to every initiative.

Charnell Ruth

Volunteers and Membership
Founder of Husky Rescue KZN, Charnell has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Siberian huskies since 2009. Her lifelong love for the breed sparked a journey that grew from a few dogs to over 70. Alongside her husband Etienne, she leads the centre with heart, grit, and a touch of “Furry Tail” magic.

Andreas Mathios

Public Relations
Andreas is a passionate video producer and storyteller who uses visual narratives to spotlight injustice and drive change. With a strong love for animals and community advocacy, he blends creativity and compassion to amplify voices that matter.

Elections are held annually, and all office bearers must meet strict eligibility criteria.

A Message to Donors, Partners, and the Public

When you see that an organisation is a member of DAWN, you can trust:

  • They’ve been vetted and inspected
  • They are legally registered and transparent
  • They’ve committed to ethical, enforceable animal welfare practices

DAWN members are accountable to one another and to the communities and animals we serve.

“Being a DAWN member tells donors we are trustworthy, legally compliant, and fully committed to the highest standards of animal care.”