Yobe YPLDP, Hisbah partner to tackle animal cruelty
Yobe YPLDP, Hisbah partner to tackle animal cruelty
The Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme (YPLDP) has partnered with the state Hisbah Commission to strengthen efforts to combat animal cruelty, illegal slaughtering and irresponsible ownership.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the partnership is also aimed at improving livestock welfare, strengthening food safety, and reducing public health risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
The Programme Manager of YPLDP, Dr Bulama Yaro, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Prof. Yahuza Abubakar, chairman, Yobe State Hisbah Commission, a Shari’a Law enforcement agency.
Yaro said the collaboration would provide a platform for coordinated action on animal welfare, responsible animal ownership, public health and community safety.
He expressed concern over the improper ownership and management of dogs, which could lead to the risk of contracting rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
According to him, responsible dog ownership requires proper confinement and supervision, routine vaccination, prompt reporting of dog bites and suspected rabies cases, as well as timely veterinary attention.
He emphasised that increased community awareness and collaboration among relevant institutions were necessary to prevent dog-mediated rabies transmission and protect public health.
The programme manager also raised concerns over the transportation, handling and marketing of food animals, noting that livestock were sometimes exposed to unnecessary stress, injuries, overcrowding and inappropriate handling before slaughter.
He said humane treatment of animals was not only an ethical obligation but also essential to sustainable livestock production, food safety and public health.
Yaro further decried the practice of slaughtering food animals at unapproved locations without appropriate veterinary inspection.
He said illegal slaughtering could undermine meat hygiene and inspection standards, thereby increasing the possibility of unsafe meat entering the food chain and exposing consumers to preventable health risks.
The programme manager commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni for establishing the Commission, describing it as an important platform for promoting social responsibility, law and order and community values.
In his remarks, Abubakar welcomed the initiative and expressed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with YPLDP in areas within its mandate.
He said humane treatment of animals was not only a matter of public health and responsible citizenship but also had significant religious implications in Islam.
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The chairman cited the teachings of Prophet Muhammad on compassion toward animals, including the narration of a woman who was forgiven and granted Paradise for giving water to a thirsty dog.
He also referred to the warning of punishment for a woman, according to another narration of the Prophet, who neglected and failed to feed a cat under her care.
Abubakar said the teachings underscored the Islamic emphasis on compassion, responsible animal ownership and the prohibition of cruelty to animals.
He also acknowledged the public health risks associated with irresponsible dog ownership, particularly rabies, and called for increased community awareness and cooperation with veterinary and public health authorities.
