South African Activist Honored by Oxford for Animal Rights Work

Cape Town-based animal rights activist Louise van der Merwe received Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics’ highest honour, becoming their 13th honorary fellow. Van der Merwe, 75, has dedicated her life to advocating for animal sentience, beginning her work after witnessing cruelty during her time as a cub reporter and later as a smallholding owner. She founded Animal Voice magazine in 1996, a publication that has released 90 editions exposing animal cruelty and campaigning for better welfare standards.

Van der Merwe also pioneered humane education in South African schools, collaborating with the department of education under Nelson Mandela and establishing the Humane Education Trust. Her recent work includes a trial program teaching animal sentience to primary school pupils, reaching over 76,000 children via e-learning. The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics recognizes her sustained commitment to a more compassionate world.