Stakeholders Call for Improved Animal Welfare to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases

Africa Science News

By Lenah Bosibori

Despite the closure of Kenya’s four legal donkey abattoirs in 2020, illegal slaughter continues to threaten the donkey population, stakeholders gathered in Nairobi to mark World Animal Day on October 4th disclosed.

They emphasized the importance of animal welfare in preventing zoonotic diseases., emphasized the link between poor animal welfare and the spread of diseases that can jump from animals to humans.

“Science has shown that 70 percent of human diseases originate from animals,” he noted. “The way we treat animals could drive us toward the next pandemic,” Dr. Raphael Kinoti, the Regional Director Brooke East Africa told Africa Science News.

Dr Kinoti noted that much has been done but the sector still faces challenges like the illegal slaughter of donkeys despite its ban in 2020.

“When we started donkey welfare, nobody spoke about donkeys as animals needing care. Now, we work with over 500 groups of donkey owners striving to improve welfare and their protection.” He noted.  “However, behavior change remains a challenge, with some outdated practices persisting.”

In 2016, Kenya opened its first donkey slaughterhouse in Naivasha, followed by others in Baringo, Turkana, and Machakos. By 2018-19, 1, 200 donkeys were being slaughtered daily.

He cited a study by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) projected the potential extinction of Kenya’s donkey population by 2024 if slaughter had continued at such rates. “Public outcry led to the shutdown of these facilities, but underground trade persists that has led to more decline of the donkey populations,” he added.

Brooke East Africa estimates that illegal slaughter claims up to 1,000 donkeys every three months, with entrenched cartels in regions like Kajiado and Narok perpetuating the problem. “These cartels intimidate communities into silence, but we are working to empower people to speak out,” Kinoti said.

A milestone was reached at the 2024 African Union summit, where a continent-wide ban on donkey slaughter was enacted. However, Dr. Kinoti warns that enforcement challenges remain, with backyard slaughters continuing to supply donkey meat often processed under unsanitary conditions into the food chain.

“This poses serious zoonotic risks, especially if diseased animals are consumed. “If a donkey infected with anthrax is slaughtered and eaten, we could face a public health crisis,” he warned.

Laikipia County’s Deputy Governor, Reuben Ngatia, joined in the call for animal protection, urging communities to value and care for their animals. “Let us protect our animals so that they can protect us,” he said. Ngatia noted that Laikipia has strong animal protection policies and a robust veterinary presence. “It’s time for all partners to come together, speak with one voice, and uphold our policies on animal protection,” he added.

Cynthia Kipsang, a donkey owner from Baringo County, attested to the ongoing issue of donkey theft, with many animals disappearing overnight. “We still struggle with illegal slaughter despite the closure of the abattoir here,” she shared.

Further Dr Kinoti called on the public to stop the inhumane transportation of chickens and donkeys. “We have seen traders treating animals very badly, from hanging the chickens on the carriers and regular donkey beatings” noted Dr Kinoti.

“Our animals serve us tirelessly. We need to treat them with respect,” he emphasized. “The biggest threat to humanity today is zoonotic diseases. By treating animals with dignity, we reduce the risk of these diseases and can work towards a healthier future for all.”

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