The Biodiversity Circle's Animal Welfare andProtection Guides and Factsheets

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 

1. Do not be cruel towards animals.

2. Report all cases of animal abuse and cruelty. This will include hitting, trapping, poisoning and all forms of animal abuse. 

3. Do not litter. End plastic pollution .Be an environmental steward

4. Petition Parliament to promulgate laws that protect animals and remove legal exemptions that subjugate animals  and participate in public participation forums for such laws. 

5. Petition for animal protection  and welfare promotion in your county assemblies and participate in subsequent public participation exercises. 

6. Petition for introduction of animal law and animal welfare and protection programs at all levels of government. 

7. Drive safely and obey all traffic signs. Please do not take down cattle and livestock signage. 

8.  Practice food traceability to know the sources and methods of preparation of what you eat. 

9. Avoid the use of fireworks .

10. 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.

 What Are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They can spread through:

• Direct contact with animals

• Contaminated food or water

• Insect vectors (like mosquitoes or ticks)

• Environmental exposure

Examples include rabies, salmonella, avian influenza, and certain coronaviruses.

Why is this an Animal Welfare Issue?

Poor animal welfare increases the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread. Key factors include:

• Overcrowded or unsanitary living conditions (e.g., factory farms, live animal markets)

• Stress and weakened immune systems in animals

• Lack of veterinary care

• Illegal wildlife trade

• Habitat destruction, which forces wildlife into closer contact with humans

When animals are unhealthy or stressed, pathogens can multiply and mutate more easily.

How It Impacts Human Health

Zoonotic diseases can lead to:

• Local or global outbreaks

• Severe illness or long-term health complications

• Increased healthcare costs

• Food safety risks

• Economic disruption in agriculture and tourism

About 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, according to global health organizations.

 Animals Most Commonly Affected

• Livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry)

• Companion animals (dogs, cats)

• Wildlife (bats, rodents, primates)

• Birds and reptiles

Each group can carry different pathogens depending on their environment and care conditions.

 Prevention & Solutions

Improving animal welfare is one of the most effective ways to reduce zoonotic disease risk. Key strategies include:

For Animals

• Clean, spacious living environments

• Proper nutrition and hydration

• Regular veterinary care and vaccinations

• Humane handling and transport

• Ending illegal wildlife trade

For Humans

• Handwashing after animal contact

• Safe food handling

• Responsible pet ownership

• Supporting ethical farming practices

• Reporting sick or injured animals

Why It Matters

Protecting animals protects people. When animals live healthier, less stressful lives, the entire ecosystem—including human communities—benefits. Good welfare isn’t just ethical; it’s a public health necessity.