By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Tamale, Nov. 25, GNA – Stakeholders at a two-day hybrid West–East Africa Regional Workshop held in Tamale, have called on African leaders to prioritise the formulation and enforcement of robust policies to enhance animal welfare across the continent.
The stakeholders, drawn from livestock production, veterinary practice, academia, youth groups and civil society in the Northern Region, expressed concern over rising cases of animal cruelty, especially in farming communities.
They urged governments to introduce and strictly enforce punitive measures against individuals who mistreated animals.
They noted that negative attitudes among some farmers and members of the public towards animal wellbeing continued to undermine efforts at promoting sustainable livestock production.
The stakeholders called for the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern science and technology to advance cruelty-free animal farming practices in Africa.
Organised by the International Society for Applied Ethology, the workshop provided a platform for practitioners from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa with some joining virtually, to share knowledge on animal behaviour, welfare and sustainable livestock management.
Held on the theme: “Transforming African Animal Farming through Improved Behaviour and Welfare,” the workshop also explored approaches to change public perceptions and behaviour towards animals.
Mr Abdul Rahman Safian, the Director, West African Centre for the Protection of Animal Welfare and Country Coordinator of the International Society for Applied Ethology, said the even was to transform livestock farming by highlighting the crucial role of science and technology in modern production systems.
He said it was also tailored to encourage farmers to embrace agricultural biotechnology and adopt humane practices in their operations.
“This workshop is to help change the narrative among farmers and communities. Many people inflict pain and cruelty on animals without considering their psyche, while others think animals are just objects that can be treated anyhow,” he said.
Mr Salifu Hafiz, a Veterinary Technologist, who made a presentation during the event, emphasised the urgent need for improving animal transportation in Africa.
He called for the design of vehicles specifically for transporting livestock, routine inspections of transport systems, and enhanced training for farmers and handlers.
He underscored the importance of proper housing, confinement, and handling conditions to promote animal wellbeing and productivity.
Mr Baba Issah, a Veterinary Officer at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, who participated in the workshop, described the engagement as an eye-opener and timely, noting that it had strengthened his understanding of animal behaviour and humane treatment.
He said the insights shared reinforced the need for stricter policies and consistent public education, and that the workshop had equipped participants with practical tools to support farmers and communities to adopt better welfare practices that would ultimately improve productivity and protect the dignity of animals.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/ Christabel Addo