The Federal Government said it has identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters in Nigeria.
Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, Head, Quality Assurance and Standards Division, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on Friday in Abuja, at the National stakeholders Consultative Meeting, on Animal Welfare during Emergencies and Disasters in Nigeria.
The meeting was organized 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.
Dr. Musa Inuwa, Overseeing Director of, the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services (FMARD), 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 the
He said the 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, Dr. Umakaltume Abubakar, Deputy Director of, the Department of Veterinary and Pest and Control Services of the ministry, said Animal welfare is the physical and mental state of an animal 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, and free from pain, as well as fear and distress.
