FG tells stakeholders to prioritize animals'well being

The Federal Government (FG) through its main Agriculture Ministry has asked stakeholders to ensure the safety of animals especially during any emergency occasioned by vagaries of climate change.

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVON) Dr. Musa Inuwa emphasized the need why safety of animals well being must be given almost attention to prevent them from being massively killed by any climate change related disasters, adding this could negatively impact our food security.

It was stated in a press release signed by FMARD chief information officer, Eremah Anthonia that a platform for good animals welfare practices through effective engagement and interaction among stakeholders be upheld with policy implementation on well fare care and rescue for animals during emergencies.

Dr. Inuwa pointed out that the Ministry had stepped up efforts towards introducing global best practices in the Nigeria’s Animals' welfare in line with guidelines and standards provided by World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), adding that stakeholders had to share their experiences as regards wellbeing of animals with ambassador spirit. 

The Head of Quality Assurance and Standards Division (QAS) of the Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun in the statement also identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals' safety during emergencies and disasters.

Also, in the same line, the National President of the Nigerian Veterinary Association, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu revealed that the stakeholders' meeting was of great importance, noting that when there are disasters, only humans are rescued without taking cognizance of the animals.

She pointed out that the meeting was about rescuing and rehabilitating animals during disasters and emergencies, saying there is a need for training on animals' rescue during emergencies.