Why you should care about animal welfare and protection
Animals are not guests on this planet. They have a right to be here. They form part of our economic, social/cultural and economic ways of life. They should be protected . There are legal provisions that protect animals . However, there should be more efforts to promote and protect welfare.
Where to find the law
Countries have laws and regulations that protect animals and promote animal welfare. You will find these laws and regulations in different statutes and decided cases in your jurisdiction as well as regional and global treaties your country has ratified. Check constitutional provisions, criminal provisions on animal cruelty , civil , commercial and family law settings on animals as property.
Terms and provisions
Definitions of the terms ‘Animals’ ‘Animal welfare’ ‘animal rights’ and ‘animal protection’ vary by legal definitions, cultural and social perceptions and changing global views.
Guides for Citizen Action for Animal Welfare and Protection
Do not be cruel towards animals.
Report all cases of animal abuse and cruelty. This will include hitting, trapping, poisoning and all forms of animal abuse.
Do not litter. End plastic pollution .Be an environmental steward
Petition Parliament to promulgate laws that protect animals and remove legal exemptions that subjugate animals and participate in public participation forums for such laws.
Petition for animal protection and welfare promotion in your county assemblies and participate in subsequent public participation exercises.
Petition for introduction of animal law and animal welfare and protection programs at all levels of government.
Drive safely and obey all traffic signs. Please do not take down cattle and livestock signage.
Practice food traceability to know the sources and methods of preparation of what you eat.
Avoid the use of fireworks .
Keep records and registers of your animals.
For wild animals and animals used for tourism
Do not litter. Plastic and other wastes are dangerous for the environment and the animals and humans .
Do not feed the animals .
Do not ride the camels and donkeys at tourism zones. The animals are overworked, underfed and this amounts to animal cruelty .
Heed the signs in national parks and reserves.
Report suspicious activities that may harm animals such as disposal of industrial waste, poaching and authorized entries into national parks and reserves.
Support efforts to protect animals and forests .
For animals used in transport
These include donkeys, camels and oxen.
Keep the animals fed.
Ensure they rest well.
Get them veterinary care as often as possible.
Report all cases of animal cruelty you observe.
For companion animals
These include cats and dogs and other domesticated animals
Keep a record of your companion animals including health and photos.
Ensure constant veterinary checks for your companion animals.
Keep them on a leash when in public places.
Do not tether them for unreasonable and unnecessary long periods of time.
Feed them with proper diets to avoid allergies .
For animals raised for food
Call for changes in national , state , county and municipal laws against dangerous factory farming.
Factory farming harms water sources.
Factory farming pollutes the air.
Factory farming leads to land degradation.
Change your dietary preferences.
Practice food tracing.
For marine mammals
End the use of plastics.
Do not overfish.
Practice land use management. Land affects the sea.
Leave the beach clean.
Avoid the use of harmful pesticides.
Practice afforestation.
For birds and other avian species
Plant more trees and practice afforestation.
Call out those who destroy the environment.
Leave nests and bird eggs alone.
Create tree houses to shelter birds.
Collective responsibility
Be kind to animals.
Do not abuse animals.
Take charge in creating laws that protect animals.
Call for changes in school curricula and have animal welfare and protection in basic and elementary education.