The Federal Government said it has identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters in Nigeria.
Head, Quality Assurance and Standards Division, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Abdulkareem Durosinlorun on recently in Abuja, at the National stakeholders Consultative Meeting, on Animal Welfare during Emergencies and Disasters in Nigeria.
The meeting was organised by FMARD in conjunction with F&A Engineering Construction Links Limited.
“The Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters.
“Traditionally when disasters strike the main focus is on humans but we also need to pay attention to the welfare of our animals which tend to be badly hit and suffer in silence.
“We also need to pay attention to the welfare of our animals which tend to be badly hit and suffer in silence.
“That is why we have invited stakeholders from all works of life, because we believe your input is important,” he said.
Overseeing Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services (FMARD), Dr Musa Inuwa said the meeting was to provide a platform for effective engagement among relevant stakeholders on matters concerning the general care of animals.
Inuwa is also the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), said the essence of meeting would serve as a medium for awareness creation among relevant stakeholders on good animal welfare practices, especially in emergency and disaster situations.
In a presentation, Deputy Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest and Control Services of the ministry, Dr Umakaltume Abubakar, said animal welfare is the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.
Abubakar said that an animal could be said to experience good welfare if it was healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, free from pain, as well as fear and distress.