By Winnie Kamau
A shocking revelation by World Animal Protection (AWP) reveals that at least 1,200 dogs are brutally killed every hour in the name of rabies and other human-related conflicts.
Animal welfare, for many years looked at animals as lacking emotions, and this is where they started being mistreated because it was assumed that they have no feelings. This mismanagement of dogs in Kenya has raised the alarm that has led to the birth of a campaign for the dogs by the Animal Protection group dubbed Better Lives for Dogs Campaign.
The Campaign according to the Animal welfare lobbying group will seek to educate communities through the County governments in adoption of favorable legislation in the culling of the dogs and also advocate for vaccination of the dogs against rabies.
Dr. Emily Mudoga the Companion Animal Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection during the launch noted that “The gradual rise of urbanisation just like on other facets of lives has affected the welfare of animals in general. It is especially sad that as we acquire dogs for pets, we’re not giving them proper treatment pushing them to set out in search of comfort.”
Adding “This is evident in the number of countless dogs wandering in our towns while others are knocked down on the roads all which are as a result of human laxity. We are quick to get dogs into our families but never critically look at their well-being”
We found that there are 5 basic requirements for the welfare of dogs stipulated according to the United Nations Declaration of Animal welfare as: Freedom from Hunger, Freedom from Pain, Freedom from Injury, Freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from Fear.
Dr. Mudoga noted that “ A look at the rules and regulations in every city, even our own counties where Health, Sanitation and environment are concerned, dogs are pointed out as a menace which explains why any suspected conflict between the dogs and humans is addressed through culling. What we forget is these dogs have been brought to existence by humans and their owners should be responsible for their well-being”
Although the country has no dog census, it is estimated that the total dog population currently stands at 5 Million dogs against a human population of 40 Million, this is against an international standard ratio of 1 dog to 4 people.
Apart from the provision of shelter and food, it is necessary to ensure proper health management for these dogs to help in the management of diseases. The assumption since time immemorial has been that Dogs are carnivores and therefore do not require a balanced diet.
We grew up sharing our left overs and a weekly ration of some bones which made up for a decent meal for the dog. Nutrition is not just about access to food but the nutritional value to enable them deliver on their companion role.
Under the Cap 365 of the rabies Act, the law provides for the government to undertake culling of dogs and cats in case of a suspected rabies outbreak and where there is conflict with humans. The institution of the county government system therefore provides an opportunity to develop county by laws that address responsible dog ownership to help in the management of their population.
