Special Edition of Animal Welfare Update – November 2022

Animal Welfare Groups and Africa’s Civil Society Organizations Meet for this Year’s Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) in Gaborone, Botswana

The heartbreaking sight of thousands of animals dying during drought in Africa in the recent years, among other issues, has brought to focus the need to address the environmental crises taking place across the world. This year’s continental animal welfare forum – The Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) – Action 2022 was deliberately themed, ‘Animals, People, and the Environment in a Rapidly Changing 21st Century’ which was able to shine light to the adverse effects of environmental neglect and unconsciousness through the animal welfare perspective, citing best practices in managing the challenges and providing solutions for policy makers across the African continent and beyond.

This year, the 6th Africa Animal Welfare Conference – Action 2022 which was hosted by the government of Botswana, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), The African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), addressed the issues building up from those discussed in the past conferences. The conference brought together 130 delegates physically and 240 virtually, including government leaders, diplomatic officials and civil society organizations from different countries across the world.

Importantly, the 2022 conference ignited discussions from an array of fields - animal welfare, environment and sustainable development, cage free campaigns in Africa, donkey welfare, animal ethics and research in science, livestock welfare, religion and animal protection, one health one welfare, animal welfare perspectives of women in agribusiness, animal welfare in museum institutions, industrial livestock farming, animal malnutrition, veterinary training, civil society stakeholder engagement with UNEP, factory farming and climate change, Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AWSA), and draft guidelines for incorporation of animal welfare in development cooperation projects.

Thabang Botshoma, the Botswana Deputy Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture delivering the keynote address to the congregants of the conference, he lauded the theme of the conference terming it both timely and captivating. “…Timely because in this 21st Century, we are witnessing rapid and sometimes phenomenal changes globally, and Africa is part of this change, that must be addressed, now.” “Captivating because, in Africa, like in other parts of the world, immense change is being witnessed in the areas of technological advancement, infrastructure development, increased industrialization, changing patterns in food production and consumption, climate change and variation, new health concerns and emergence of pandemics such as Covid-19, and concerns about pollution. This requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders not only in Africa, but globally.” He added.

Mr Botshoma concluded by giving Botswana’s commitment to the aspirations of the conference, “Botswana, as a friend of the conference, through the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries and departments do hereby commit to do all that it is policy wise possible and undertake any necessary actions to accommodate enhanced growth without compromising the integrity of the environment and maintaining good welfare of animals.”

In his welcoming address to the conference, the ANAW Board Chair, Prof James Nkansah opined, “As a network organization, ANAW established the annual conference in 2017 to create a premier African platform for animal welfare stakeholders to address animal welfare-related issues concerning Africa.” He added, “The Africa Animal Welfare Conference is based on the premise that animal welfare practice is the best way of reducing the suffering of animals.”

Lauded as the first and largest animal welfare conference in Africa, Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC), it is an annual convention that brings together representatives of animal welfare, wildlife and environmental conservation organizations, NGOs, government officials and government-affiliated institutions, academics, researchers, media, policy makers, legal practitioners, community members, interest groups, development practitioners to discuss, explain and discern current issues affecting the sector.

Resolutions

After three days of insightful presentations, lengthy deliberations and profound discussions, the conference drafted some recommendations as the outcome of the conference which will become resolutions upon adoption by key stakeholders. These key recommendations (draft resolutions) of the 6th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) – Action 2020 are highlighted as follows:

1. THERE’S a need to champion the adoption and implementation of better animal welfare policies at local, national and continental level, lobby for better legislation to tackle the issue of factory farming and animal abuse.
2. THERE’S a need to table a resolution at UNEA that recognizes animal sentience and welfare as an important consideration in developing policies on environment, sustainable development and healthy diets
3. THERE’S a need, through academic institutions to champion and enhance One Health research in Africa. Focus in promoting the establishment of ethical review committees in Africa that will support animal welfare research.
4. THERE’S a need to lobby for the formulation of policies and guidelines for animal welfare that are aligned to religious values. Promote the inclusion women in the animal resource industry and push for adoption and incorporation of animal welfare guidelines in development programs and their implementation at national and regional laws for easy follow-up and prosecution of offenders
5. THERE’S a need through continued partnership with UNEP to promote civil society engagement in Africa to encourage the betterment of animals, people and the environment.
6. THERE’S a need to champion the development of policies that promote indigenous wildlife conservation principles promote food systems that embrace a humane and sustainable future as well as channel more funding to animal welfare advocacy in the continent. Develop legislatory and regulatory framework on Animal Welfare, sustainable utilization of shared resources and Environmental Health.
7. THERE’S a need to champion the development of policies and legal frameworks that support animal welfare at national and continental level. Promote evidence-based approach interventions through research and enhance education and awareness on animal welfare to different stakeholders.
8. THERE’S a need to promote partnerships with governments, humanitarian agencies and CSOs in addressing animals in disaster.

It is hoped that the future Africa Animal Welfare Conferences will report the success of implementing the resolutions, as more organizations in animal welfare, wildlife and environmental conservation, and sustainable development will come on board to work with stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced that affect animals, people and the environment across the world.

We would most especially want to relay our gratitude to the Government of Botswana, African Union - InterAfrican Bureau on Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). We would like to thank Animal People, Animal Welfare Institute, A Well Fed World, Compassion In World Farming, Lewis and Clark Law School - Centre for Animal Law Studies (CALS), The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), World Animal Protection, Welttiershutz-stiftung (WTS), and Well Being International who have made it possible for the conference to take place through financial support.

 Conference Website Link: https://www.aawconference.org

Here's a great way to support Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) to protect present and future generations of animals. You can do so through the following ways:

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Animal Welfare Updates: November - December 2022

From the Executive Director's Desk

Dear Friends and Partners,

In a few days, we will all be bidding farewell to this year. It is always astounding how fast a year goes by. It seems like just the other day when I was wishing all of us a prosperous New Year, 2022!

Animals continue to face increasing threats to their survival, and support such as you have given to ANAW, especially this year, has gone a long way in giving our animals a chance for survival even in the face of these monumental challenges; and for that, we are forever grateful.

As we come to the end of the year, I am particularly glad to report to you that as an organization, working with our incredible partners, we have been able to achieve many important animal welfare milestones, some of which you will read in this newsletter, while the rest will appear in our Annual Report to be out in the first Quarter of next year, 2023.

This year’s continental animal welfare forum – The Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) – Action 2022 themed, ‘Animals, People, and the Environment in a Rapidly Changing 21st Century’ was hosted by the government of Botswana, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), The African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). The gathering brought together 130 delegates physically and 240 virtually, including government leaders, diplomatic officials and civil society organizations from different countries across the world. After the end of the conference some recommendations were drafted as the outcome of the conference which will become resolutions upon adoption by key stakeholders.

Allow me, on behalf of the Chairman, Board and staff of ANAW and ANAW-USA, to sincerely thank you for your support in 2022. You have made a great contribution to Africa’s animals and with your continued support, we are without a doubt looking forward to 2023 with renewed energy for the work we do.

May you have a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year 2023.

Sincerely,
Josphat Ngonyo.

A Narrow Escape for A Stray Zebra Who Sought Refuge in a Classroom in Machakos

An unusual case of a stray zebra rescue took place after the animal sought refuge in a classroom at Miumbuni AIC Secondary School narrowly escaping the clutches of human beings in an adverse occurrence of human-wildlife conflict in Machakos County on a November evening.

In a joint statement, ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) Humanitarian Network announced that Kenya had been experiencing the most severe and longest drought (2020 to 2022) of three severe drought period in the last decade (2010-2011, 2016-2017 and 2020-2022) in October 2022. The drought in Kenya had driven hundreds of wildlife to seek reprieve from the ravages of the impact of climate change in the region by seeking for water and food in community areas.

In the area, a lot of animals had been straying out of ranches to community farms in search of pasture. The zebra had lost its way not aware that it risked becoming food itself as had other victims. It is believed that the zebra had left Manzoni Ranch and found its way out approximately 10 kilometers away from the ranch to community farms in an area called Komarock. The zebra luckily escaped villagers’ pursuit and found haven in a school where it went to hide in a classroom.

In an exemplary act of strong leadership, the school principal went against the norm of the community and strove to protect the zebra. He locked the classroom door and called the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). ANAW in partnership with KWS veterinary unit from Nairobi headquarters and the Machakos KWS station helped to rescue the male zebra preventing it from being butchered by community members. When the rescue team arrived in the area, the animal was still inside the classroom. The veterinarian darted the animal and let it out of the classroom. It was loaded in ANAW’s vehicle and translocated to the game ranch sanctuary which was approximately 50 kms away.

Many other animals had not been so lucky. In the last few months, over ten (10) animals among them six (6) giraffes and five (5) wildebeests had been butchered and eaten by villagers in this area after straying in their farms.

Good News as Primates are Rescued and Treated in Diani, Kwale County

As one takes a stroll along the Diani Beach, he or she is likely to encounter land and aquatic creatures on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in water and on land. As much as the animals enjoy the feeling of joy that ocean brings with it, there are moments that they get hurt and need care.

In the month of November, different primates were rescued and treated at the Animal Welfare Clinic at Colobus Conservation. Colobus Conservation which works with ANAW to promote humane treatment of primates, is an organization that aims to promote, the conservation, preservation and protection of primates, in particular the Angolan colobus monkey and its associated coastal forest habitat. The work the organization does is key as many animals are harmed through accidents, human-wildlife conflict and electrocution among other causes. The clinic also attends to other species that are harmed in the community.

In November, thirty (30) animal welfare cases were reported. Out of these five (5) were Baboons, ten (10) Colobus, ten (10) Sykes, four (4) Vervet and one (1) Bush baby. One (1} Vervet and one (1) Colobus were treated and released back into the wild. One (1) Sykes which was abandoned entered the long-term rehabilitation program for future release.

The Climate Change Crisis Exacerbates Human Wildlife Conflict in Kasigau

Adverse effects of drought caused by the prevalent climate change crisis has impacted greatly and negatively on communities living near Kasigau Ranch in Taita Taveta County. Numerous cases of human-wildlife conflict had been reported in October and November where wildlife ventured into community areas in desperate search of food and water.

The ANAW-supported Kasigau Wildlife Guardians were notified of two (2) cases where eight (8) elephants destroyed a campsite near a borehole, destroyed two (2) water drums and food crops. A suspected poacher was arrested at Mghongonyi area with bush meat. Two (2) cases of human-wildlife conflict were reported in November where a man collided with an elephant at Mto Mwatate and his motorbike was completely damaged. A herd of elephant was cited to have destroyed 60 iron sheets, water tanks and food at Dapata mining area.

The guardians covered 25 patrol areas in November. The number of animals spotted is low due to the ongoing drought experienced leaving all the dams and water pans dry with no water for the animals to drink. From the patrols, the team was also able to determine some of the areas that need frequent patrols after observing a lot of human movements and motorbike trucks in and out of the ranch.

Msambweni Group Undertakes Clean-Up Activities to Protect Turtles

Community volunteers that form the Msambweni Turtle Conservation Group, lead daily patrols in ensuring that the turtle is protected at the coast of the Indian Ocean in Msambweni, a small fishing town south of Mombasa. They conduct beach patrols to ensure the safety of turtles and any newly laid nests from poaching and predators.

In November, there were no new nests laid. The group was however, able to conduct one beach clean-up on the November 4 in collaboration with community members, Kimkoev group, Mambo Sasa group, Madrasa Khairat, Nice View Children’s Home, Karama Academy, Msambweni primary and Etatu group. The groups were able to collect a total of 879 kilograms of trash which was sorted on November 8, 2022.

There were no records of new nests laid at Funzi, but the group continues undertaking patrols to protect the existing nests as they wait for the hatching dates.

Experiential Learning with University of Denver Students Takes Place Successfully in Kenya

During the first three days of acclimatizing with the East African warm weather, American students explored the conservation and education areas, organizations and institutions in Nairobi before heading out camping across the country. Moments of profound learning, awe and friendly engagement were shared with their Kenyan counterparts in and experiential learning course.

Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) hosted University of Denver students from the United States of America (USA) in Kenya for a two-week course from November 28 to December 12, 2022. The 13 students were pursuing a Master’s of Science in Social Work at the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW). The field-based course was designed to introduce students to the social, political, economic, cultural and conservation issues of Kenya and East Africa.

The course focused on service learning and direct experiences including conservation projects and field work focusing on ANAW’s hands-on conservation programs such as humane education, conservation education and capacity development to empower individuals and communities to support alternatives to the illegal bush-meat trade.

A successful understanding of social work in Kenya took place at a one-day symposium at University of Nairobi facilitated by ANAW that was a supportive learning activity, interaction and discussion related to social work and animal welfare. With the support of ANAW team, students were able to learn policy and relevant laws with a focus on such topics as the conservation of nature and biodiversity, sustainability, land use, humane treatment and care of animals.

Students experienced first-hand the social, cultural, historical, political, environmental, ecological and economic realities that currently exist in Kenya. The trip highlighted local issues and community-based efforts that facilitate socio-environmental justice to promote critical thinking and develop a knowledge-base for intervention strategies as well as environmental awareness, sense of belonging in a community, sustainability, resilience and advocacy.

The interaction with different communities provided an opportunity to explore concepts of ecological economic sustainability with the Kasigau women basket weavers, table banking with a women’s group in the shores of Lake Naivasha, the Kijabe Environment volunteers, Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) among other groups. The student had a chance to learn from Kenya Wildlife Service Community Warden in Naivasha, Esther Wangeci, who explained how the government was working with communities to ensure an ecological balance between wildlife and the people.

The trip was conducted in three regions; Nairobi, Nakuru and Coast.

Africa Conservation Education Fund (ACEF)

ANAW advocates wildlife-adjacent communities by supporting education of students. This is achieved through the provision of education scholarships for needy students from wildlife - adjacent communities. If you would like to help us keep these children in school, please see http://www.anaw.org/ACEF

Here's a great way to support Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) to protect present and future generations of animals. You can do so through the following ways:

A Donation
Click Here to Donate

A Legacy in Your Will
By putting a bequest to ANAW in your will or trust, you will help us improve the lives of animals far beyond your lifetime. Contact Purity at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need additional information about how to include us in your will.

Animal Welfare Monthly Updates: February 2023

Emergency Wildlife Rescues: White Rhino Rescued

For the first time, in ANAW’s history of protecting and saving wildlife, the rescue team had a singular opportunity to attend to one of the most endangered species in the world, the White Rhino which faces tremendous threats from poaching and habitat loss. The ANAW team in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vet team and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust mobile vet unit responded to the emergency rescue of an adult male white rhino in Solio Ranch Conservancy, in Laikipia County.

In the month of February, seven animals were attended to: three (3) zebras, a white rhino, a lion, a greater kudu and an eland, in both Machakos and Laikipia Counties.

The lion was an adult male called Rooney that had sustained fight injuries and a broken tooth and the greater Kudu, an adult female, had a plastic lodged on its foot. Both were found in El Karama Ranch where they were darted, treated, revived and released to the wild to recover. The eland, an adult male, had been injured with a spear while one of the zebras was found with a snare on both his foot and neck.

One of the zebras had strayed into someone’s compound and fell into a deep hole in Konza Market, Machakos County. In a selfless collective act, the team and community members worked together to lift the zebra out of the hole and into a waiting land cruiser. A quick check-up was conducted to ensure it was okay and was later on released back into the wild.

Colobus Conservation: Kongo and Mto Given Another Chance to Live

Our hearts are overjoyed as we witness Kongo (Pictured above on the right with Mto on the left) as he plays and has fun with the others. In one of the 44 animal welfare cases reported and attended to in the month of February, Kongo was rescued as an infant from River Kongo in Diani and has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at Colobus Conservation.

Similarly, one (1) vervet and one (1) Sykes monkeys were entered into long term rehabilitation. One (1) Baboon, two (2) Colobus and one (1) Sykes were treated and released back to the wild.

ANAW continues to partner with Colobus Conservation to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates in Kenya’s coastal region.

Kasigau Guardians Monitoring: Human Activities on the Increase in the Expansive Ranch

Operating on an area of more than fifty two thousand (52,000) acres of land between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, Kasigau ranch is a crucial area in conservation and maintaining human wildlife co-existence.

From the 23 patrols areas covered in February by the ANAW supported wildlife guardians, the scouts were able to determine some of the areas that needed frequent patrols after observing a lot of human movements and activities in and out of the ranch. These movements were observed at Ndashinyi area, Mmangare, Mwarungu and Gae areas with indicators showing firewood harvesting and charcoal burning.

The Wildlife Guardians are in the meantime engaging sensitizing the communities bordering the Kasigau ranch, and other key conservation stakeholders to minimize the increased human activities that endanger the welfare of the wildlife utilizing the ranch.

Turtle Conservation and Celebration of World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is held every year on February 2, to commemorate the importance in the conservation and restoration of ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. In this year’s Wetlands Day themed, ‘It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration’, the Msambweni Turtle Conservation Group joined other conservation groups to commemorate the vitality of the day at Mwadzaro, in Kwale County. The event was organized by National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kwale County government in collaboration with Kenya Forest Services (KFS), Base Titanium, ANAW, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Water Resources Authority (WRA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other relevant institutions.

The commemorative event was marked by planting mangrove seedlings and speakers at the event highlighted and emphasized the importance of conserving wetlands.

Cage-free Campaign Coalition Workshop – We Can Achieve More Together!

The Open Wing Alliance (OWA) funded project continued efforts towards developing a nationwide campaign that would promote cage-free chicken farming in Kenya and Africa at large. To boost the campaign, a Cage-Free Coalition, Kenyan Chapter, was formed in March 2021 that brought animal welfare stakeholders under one umbrella to collaborate efforts towards achieving “A Cage-Free Africa”.

A one-day cage-free chicken stakeholders’ workshop attended by over 20 participants was held in a Naivasha hotel, in Nakuru County on 15th February 2023 to strengthen the coalition. The workshop brought together different organisations with interest in poultry welfare to forge a way forward on how to advocate against use of poultry battery cages in Kenya due to the welfare concerns of the practice. The OWA Africa Coordinator – Aurelia Adhiambo, attended the workshop.

Anti-rabies Campaign in Nakuru County Vaccinates over 800 Animals

In late 2022 and early 2023, several counties in Kenya had reported cases of rabies infection. These counties included Nairobi, Nakuru, Kwale, Kilifi, Wajir, Narok and Isiolo. In Nakuru, the cases were dire - a suspected rabid dog had bit a donkey, a cow and two humans. The dog, which then disappeared, was found dead. A child who had been bitten by the rabid dog reportedly succumbed as well.

Although vigorous efforts began towards vaccination in the county, they were unfortunately halted due to depletion of rabies vaccines. The County Government of Nakuru through the Chief Officer - Livestock Development and Veterinary Services, Dr. Michael Cheruiyot appealed for ANAW’s help. ANAW responded by collaborating with the county government to conduct a mass Anti-rabies vaccination campaign in Kuresoi South area from February 2 - 4, 2023, where the incidents were reportedly high.

The campaign was carried out in tandem with the Foot and Mouth Vaccination targeting cattle in the area. At the end of the exercise, 803 animals (776 dogs, 16 cats and 11 donkeys) were vaccinated against Rabies.

Conference Report - The 6th Africa Animal Welfare Conference - Action 2022

We are pleased to inform you that the report of the 6th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2022 is out.

Please click onto this link to access it:- https://bit.ly/3mTZd7Y

The planning and registration for the Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) – Action 2023, to be held in Rwanda later this year, is ongoing. We will endeavour to keep you posted on the conference's updates via the conference website, https://www.aawconference.org.

Here's a great way to support Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) to protect present and future generations of animals. You can do so through the following ways:

A Donation
Click Here to Donate

A Legacy in Your Will
By putting a bequest to ANAW in your will or trust, you will help us improve the lives of animals far beyond your lifetime. Contact Purity at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need additional information about how to include us in your will.