Animal Welfare Monthly Highlights: November - December 2024Executive Director's End of Year Message Dear Partners, Supporters and Friends, As we approach the conclusion of another transformative year at ANAW, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and commitment from all our partners to the work we do. Nostalgically, this year we celebrated our 18th Anniversary since ANAW was founded. It was, indeed, gratifying to reflect upon the journey we have travelled as a toddler organization to reach this teen-age, and the impact we have made to so many animals across Africa, with your help – you, our big-hearted stakeholders. I am extremely proud of every single member of our team and everything we managed to achieve this year, this far, remaining faithful to our vision and mission. Indeed, many thanks to my fabulous staff team, for never losing their dedication and passion. No role is more or less important than another – from frontline staff to those working quietly behind the scenes – you all make ANAW. The year 2024 has been marked by incredible achievements, impactful projects, and the strengthening of partnerships that propel our mission forward - some of which you will read in this monthly newsletter, while the rest will appear in our Annual Report to be out in the first quarter of next year, 2025. Top on the list of achievements, was this year’s continental animal welfare forum – The 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) – Action 2024 themed, ‘Partnership Actions to Improve Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability,’ hosted by the government of Kenya, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). The gathering brought together 856 delegates: 238 physically and 618 virtually from 58 countries across the world. Amongst these, 54 delegates were member states representatives. Similarly, in this last quarter of 2024, we were fortunate yet again to hold the 11th Inter-agency forum on Wildlife and Environmental Crimes. As I have said before, it is always heartening to see the diverse stakeholders represented at these forums which are convened with the aim of encouraging agencies and the public to work in a collegiate manner, share information, exchange experiences and develop ways to overcome technical, bureaucratic and administrative bottlenecks hindering inter-agency cooperation in wildlife crime management. In this last newsletter to you, as ANAW’s Executive Director (you read about my stepping down this December 31st) I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and express my warmest gratitude for sticking with us and helping us successfully go through yet another year of supporting thousands of animals and the communities who ensure their wellbeing. Finally, allow me, on behalf of the Chairman, Board and staff of ANAW, to sincerely thank you for your support in 2024. You have made a great contribution to Africa’s animals and with your continued support, we are without a doubt looking forward to 2025 with renewed energy for the work we do. Wishing you a joyous Christmas holiday season and a prosperous New Year, 2025. With gratitude, Josphat Ngonyo. Breaking Chains to Save and Protect Wildlife
ANAW and KWS Team after Retrieving Snares In striving to achieve a harmonious balance and conserving our biodiversity, the ANAW team continues to be at the ready to protect Africa’s splendid wildlife and domestic animals, emerging valiantly to fill the vulnerability gap that increases with the rapid infrastructural development activities and human encroachment. The ANAW team, in collaboration with KWS and conservancy scouts, carried out two impactful de-snaring operations across Machakos and Nakuru ranches. These efforts led to the recovery of 90 snares, including 10 ground snares, 55 live noose snares, and 25 dead wire noose snares. The snares, fashioned from crude materials like wire and nooses, are indiscriminate and leave a trail of destruction in their wake, capturing any animal that crosses their path. 
The Team Retrieves Noose Snares that have been Affecting Livestock as well In seeking to gain new perspectives on this, the ANAW team summoned herders in a meeting to understand the impact on the loss of their livestock through snaring. The herders spoke of the painful reality of losing livestock to snares—animals that provide their families with sustenance and livelihood. The snares, originally intended for wildlife, do not differentiate, becoming deadly traps for cattle, goats, and other livestock. These losses, often heartbreaking and financially devastating, highlighted the broader impact of snares—not only on ecosystems but also on the communities who coexist with wildlife. 
The Team Observes Carcasses of Livestock that have been Killed by Snares Resilient Community Triumphs as Kenya's Marine Conservation Efforts Takes on WaterWeather conditions impeded threat management efforts to conserve turtles in the Kenya’s coastal strip in November 2024. Funzi Turtle Conservation Group faced challenges with patrols due to the prevalent heavy rains experienced in many counties. While no new turtle nests were reported, the group compiled data on the 19 nests laid from March to September. These nests produced 2,206 eggs, resulting in 2,180 live hatchlings—a remarkable success thanks to regular patrols and nest protection. 
Observation of Turtle Nests Meanwhile, the Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group tackled the challenge differently by focusing on broader conservation efforts. Despite limited patrols, they recruited new members to bolster marine protection activities and held regular planning meetings. Collaboration with the Msambweni Waste Collectors Trust continues to grow, with the group establishing waste collection initiatives and engaging recycling partners to manage trash effectively. Exciting news was received when one of the group’s proposals for constructing a larger social hall at the Msambweni Education Center was approved, marking a significant step forward for the community! 
Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group in a Meeting to Recruit New Members The 11th National Judicial Dialogue on Wildlife and Environmental Crimes
Attendees Take a Group Photo at the 11th National Judicial Dialogue The 11th National Judicial Dialogue on Wildlife and Environmental Crimes was a landmark event held from November 20th to 23rd at Sarova Woodlands Hotel, Nakuru. Hosted by Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in partnership with the law enforcement agencies, this year’s dialogue centered on the theme “Dialogue on Pollution, Biodiversity Loss, and Climate Change.” The discussions sought to empower judicial officers and law enforcement agencies to effectively address the triple planetary crisis threatening our environment. 
Discussions During the Forum The Dialogue was officially opened by Hon. Justice Smokin Wanjala, CBS, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Director General Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA), who underscored the critical role of collaboration in combating environmental and wildlife crimes. The forum brought together 80 delegates, including 40 judicial officers, 28 representatives from law enforcement agencies, and members of ANAW and KJA. Notable participants included representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). The event resulted in impactful resolutions, including strengthened inter-agency collaboration, the creation of a multi-agency committee to address environmental and wildlife crimes, and the development of a comprehensive training manual on investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications. We are deeply grateful to our partners, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), for their invaluable support in making this dialogue a success. Championing Donkey Welfare in Kajiado County
ANAW Engages Local Communities During Awareness Campaign On 11th and 12th November, ANAW, in partnership with the Kajiado Veterinary Department, spearheaded dynamic awareness campaigns in Rombo and Olmapinu. These sessions were not just about donkeys, they were about empowering communities. Through engaging discussions and practical demonstrations, 67 participants, including donkey owners, community leaders, women, and youth, discovered the vital link between proper donkey care and sustaining their livelihoods. From treatment-seeking behavior to primary care and husbandry, training provided tools to ensure the well-being of the donkeys they rely on daily. This initiative highlights a simple truth: when donkeys thrive, so do communities. 
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