AWSON Champions Animal Welfare: A Call to Action

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

As the world commemorates World Animal Welfare Day under the theme “The World is Their Home Too,” there is growing concern over how animals are treated in various parts of the world. In Nigeria, where animals contribute significantly to agriculture, transportation, and daily life, the question of their welfare has taken center stage. Yet, according to experts, the ZZstate of animal welfare in Nigeria leaves much to be desired.

In an interview with Dr. Shehu Abdulkadir Zailani, Vice President of the Animal Welfare Society of Nigeria (AWSON), the current state of animal welfare in the country was described as “poor or bad.” He emphasized that a large portion of the population remains unaware of the fundamental needs of animals and the importance of humane treatment. “Many people in Nigeria are ignorant of animal welfare issues,” Dr. Zailani said. “In a recent survey conducted with HND students at the College of Agriculture, it was revealed that most individuals we spoke with were unaware of basic animal care requirements such as food, water, shelter, and medication. These are fundamental needs for any animal in human care, but many fail to provide even these essentials.”

One area that highlighted this ignorance is animal transportation. Dr. Zailani pointed out that animals are often transported under harsh and inhumane conditions, which exposes them to injury and unnecessary suffering. “Many people are cruel to animals, not only in the way they transport them but also in how they are kept at home,” he said. The poor handling of animals during transport is an issue that has caught the attention of both animal rights activists and health experts, who warn that such treatment not only endangers the animals but also the people who depend on them.

AWSON, according to Dr. Zailani, has taken active steps to address these issues through advocacy and public education. “Our key focus is raising awareness and educating the public on animal welfare,” he said. The society is also engaged in ongoing efforts to collaborate with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote the humane treatment of animals.

One of the most significant challenges to improving animal welfare in Nigeria is the enforcement of existing laws. While Nigeria has legal frameworks that are meant to protect animals from abuse, Dr. Zailani noted that these laws are either outdated or are not being implemented effectively. “There are indeed laws related to animal welfare in Nigeria, but unfortunately, many of them are either obsolete or not enforced,” Dr. Zailani explained. “These laws need to be reviewed and updated to reflect the current understanding of animal rights and welfare.” He also expressed concern over the lack of attention these laws receive from both lawmakers and the public.

Despite the challenges, there have been some notable successes. In August 2022, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture inaugurated the National Council for Animal Welfare, a milestone that was hailed as a significant step forward. The AWSON was recognized by the ministry for its efforts and invited to participate in the inauguration ceremony. “Being part of the inauguration of the National Council for Animal Welfare was a proud moment for us,” Dr. Zailani said. “It represents a great success for our advocacy work, and we believe that going forward, the council will serve as a platform for addressing key animal welfare issues in Nigeria.”

AWSON has also focused on grassroots advocacy. Just last week, the society conducted a three-day training program on animal welfare for students at the College of Agriculture. Dr. Zailani believes that educating the younger generation is crucial for changing attitudes towards animals in Nigeria.

As World Animal Welfare Day is observed globally, Dr. Zailani’s insights reveal that while Nigeria has made some progress, much more needs to be done. Public education, updated laws, and the active enforcement of these laws are essential to creating a more humane society for animals. “The world is changing rapidly, and so must our attitudes toward animals,” Dr. Zailani concluded. “The future of animal welfare in Nigeria depends on our ability to educate the public and push for the enforcement of laws that protect these voiceless creatures.”

In a country where animals play such vital roles, their welfare should not be an afterthought. The hope is that with more advocacy and awareness, Nigeria will take greater strides towards ensuring that animals are treated humanely and that their basic rights are protected.