History

The Africa Network for Animal Welfare – USA began in 2005 with a chance meeting between Josphat Ngonyo and David Gies. They were at a conference for companion animals in Anaheim, California. Josphat, or Jos as his friends call him, was part of an international panel sponsored by Animal People. He presented his work and passion for animal welfare. Jos told the story of the Youth for Conservation Corp “going into the bush to remove wire snares” used to trap animals that were sold into the bushmeat trade. This activity is illegal in Kenya. It is poaching. Regrettably the practice of capturing animals in this way is common. It is reported that 40% of food protein in Kenya comes from bushmeat.

To combat this habitual hunting practice Jos was selling wire sculptures made by community people who would otherwise be poaching. The proceeds of all the sales is returned to the crafts people. Many of the craftsmen are young men striving to make any income in Voi.

David Gies was attending the conference for the Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF), a Colorado based philanthropy that funds companion animal programs. While AAF’s programming is limited to the state of Colorado there was common ground between the two individuals for forwarding the cause of humane treatment of animals.

Josphat Ngonyo established ANAW in 2006. David established ANAW-USA with Jos as co-founder in 2007. The US program received its 501(c )(3) in 2008. ANAW-USA and ANAW in Nairobi, simply referred to as ANAW, work together to raise awareness and funding for animal programs in Africa.

ANAW-USA Recognition

Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) is pleased to announce receivership of the award of America`s Best Charities (ABC) for the year 2020. ABC was founded in 1988 as an independent Charities of America by a group of volunteers led by James J. Casimir, then the National Director of Appeals for the International Revenue Service. ABC is an IRS-recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit association of the nation’s finest charities. ABC represents charities that meet the highest standards of public accountability and program effectiveness and to facilitate gifts to those charities from contributors in fund driven work.

ANAW has demonstrated the requirements for certification through upholding its core values and by working with governments, partners and other stakeholders to ensure compassion, care and appreciation of all animals.

ANAW would like to thank all its donors, partners, board members, directors and staff who have made this possible by contributing tirelessly towards the vision and mission of the organization. We shall continue advocating for compassion and care of all animals as we contribute to realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG`s) and better relationships between animals and humans alike.

What We Do at the USA Office

For the last 100 years American philanthropists have invested time, talent and resources in other countries. ANAW-USA is a 21st Century model for organizing partnerships with others outside the United States. It follows a long tradition for addressing poverty reduction by developing economic viability and human development while protecting animals. ANAW is about animal welfare and people. Animal welfare is not advanced unless people and their well-being are advanced first. The first thing ANAW does is promote a humane ethic toward all animals.

The second thing we do is build bridges. Similar to the meeting of Jos and David, ANAW is about introducing people to our mutual cause. The unifying sentiment among people affiliating themselves with ANAW—USA’s work is to collaborate with people in other parts of the world to promote quality of life for animals and people.

A third tenant is to document the relationship between the U.S. and the NGO in Kenya. Charitable gifts are recognized in the U.S. as tax deductable gifts as they are transfered to the international nongovernmental orgnaization. We also exist in the context of Homeland Security rules emerging over the past decade. ANAW-USA, through its grant making to ANAW provides expenditure responsibility for international transactions supporting animal welfare in Kenya. Transactions through ANAW-USA are eligible and acknowledged as charitable contribuitions to U.S. tax payers.

ANAW-USA markets snare art, baskets and other hand crafted items. We strive to establish a sustainable market to support two communities in Kenya, the Waatha people near Voi and the community of Rukanga in the Kasigau region of Central Kenya.

In addition to selling these items for economic development for the Waatha and Rukanga communities, ANAW is motivated to use Snare Art as a teaching tool.

In summary, together with our colleagues in Kenya, we promote sustainability of animals and communities in Africa while partnering with others to promote an all Africa agenda, sustained by communities for conservation, compassion, protection and responsible care of all animals.

Issues at Hand

The main issues at hand are: Bushmeat, Ivory Trade, Sustainable Travel and Working and Companion Animals