Accra, May 20, GNA–The Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa has called on the African Union, AFRIPOL, and Ugandan authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals it accuses of animal abuse and scams exposed in a recent BBC Africa report.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group urged immediate action from African Union Commission Chairperson President Évariste Ndayishimiye, AFRIPOL Executive Director Jalel Chelba, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Director of Criminal Investigations Tom Magambo, and Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba.
The coalition cited the BBC Africa investigation, which it said revealed alleged animal abuse and fraudulent activities involving individuals including Charles Lubajja of Mitiyana, Uganda, and Joanne Clements and Swaibu Kasozi, both linked to Angel Safe Haven 11:11.
The group alleged that these and other actors were engaged in the dog and cat meat trade, animal sacrifices, and trafficking across Uganda and other African countries.
According to the statement, the practices posed risks to both animal welfare and public health due to the potential spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, Ebola, trichinellosis, and SARS.
The coalition said that despite the BBC’s exposure, none of the named individuals had been arrested or prosecuted for the alleged abuse and killing of animals, including a dog named Russett, and for continuing to hold other animals under abusive conditions.
The Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa said it was demanding the rescue of the animals, justice for the alleged victims, and protection for the public from what it described as “baric criminal” activity.
“We await the African authorities and the African Union’s urgent action in these abhorrent crimes,” the group said.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong