September 2019 Newsletter

Africa Animal Welfare Conference

The Third Africa Animal Welfare Conference, from September 2 to 4, 2019 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The successful conference was a collaboration between Africa Network for Animal Welfare, UN Environment and The Government of Ethiopia. The theme of the third conference was Animals, Environment and Sustainable Development in 21st Century Africa: An Interlinked Approach, with discussions revolving around the connection between animal welfare, the environment and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference hosted 140 participants, from 24 countries to share their research as well as the lessons and best practices emerging from their experience working in the field of animal welfare. The next conference will be held in Ghana in 2020.

Rabies Vaccination in Machakos and Voi

Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) has been partnering with The County Government of Machakos and Voi Sub County to help curb the rabies pandemic through regular mass dog vaccination. From August 2 – 9, 2019, ANAW hosted a team of 14 members in the second edition of Africa Animal Welfare Adventure Trip consisting of veterinary doctors, and veterinary technicians from the US, who came to support ANAW’s anti-rabies initiative in the aforesaid two counties. Led by Dr. Julie Kelly, the team’s aim of the trip was to address the rabies menace through free mass anti-rabies vaccination, outreach and responsible pet ownership among the two counties’ residents.
They also conducted additional wound care, clinical assessment, pet grooming and treatment of different ailments. During the clinics, the team worked together with local government veterinarians and veterinary technician, as well as ANAW staff. Locals and pet owners were educated on how to reduce dog bite incidents and also how to prevent mass exposure to rabies.
A total of 9,347 animals were vaccinated against rabies during the entire campaign. We wish to convey our sincere gratitude to all our partners, friends and supporters, who worked tirelessly with us to accomplish this noble initiative

Desnaring and rescues

Throughout the quarter, ANAW’s work on hands-on care and protection of animals has involved desnaring and emergency response for animals caught up in various disasters. The team reduces the suffering and pain by treating the relevant animals as well as training owners on how to take proper care of the animals in question.
Between July and September, ANAW carried out three desnaring activities in Soysambu Conservancy. The organization partnered with Soysambu Conservancy and Kenya Wildlife Service to remove 125 snares - 76 live and 49 dead snares. During the same period, three zebras and two waterbucks that were spotted with snares were treated and released.
ANAW has noted a general decline of snaring activities in the conservancy due to the consistent and concerted efforts with partners. ANAW’s de-snaring project seeks to safeguard animals’ welfare through removal of snares, rescue, rehabilitation and to ignite interest in conservation and animal welfare within communities through education, awareness and involvement.

ANAW's Cooperation Agreement with UN Environment Extended for 3 Years

After a successful third Africa Africa Animal Welfare Conference, ANAW is glad to announce that it has extended their collaboration with the United Nations Environment for another three years. This cooperation which has mutually served both entities positively will continue to allow both organizations contribute to improved coordination and enhance collaboration with regard to conservation, support of nature and natural resources, addressing climate change, combating pollution among other issues.
ANAW and UN Environment have been co - hosting The Africa Animal Welfare Conference since 2017. The conference targets professionals and practitioners, coming together to discuss issues that cut across animal welfare, wildlife and environmental conservation

Animal Welfare Clubs

Animal Welfare Clubs are a platform for sharing and discussing animal welfare which is a ‘values-based’ subject that can play a significant role in shaping young people’s personal, social and moral perspectives.
The Africa Animal Welfare Adventure team and the ANAW visited Matungulu Primary School which is one of the 41 schools in our Promoting Animal Welfare in Schools (PAWS) program. During the visit, the students were thrilled to be taught about dog bite prevention measures and the importance of animal welfare. Interestingly, most of the learners have pets or most of them have close interactions with their family pets - dog or cat. The learners mingled freely with the visiting team and shared their animal stories and songs with the them.
Machakos is one of the most affected counties in Kenya, plagued with rabies. The PAWS Program promotes sharing of knowledge on animal bites prevention and responsible pet ownership hence sharpening their knowledge towards animals and how they treat them.
In addition, two patrons from the PAWS program were part of the Africa Animal Welfare Conference in Addis Ababa.

Strengthening Kasigau Monitoring

To strengthen the work in Kasigau Conservancy, ANAW recruited three new guardians in addition to the current seven. This will boost wildlife monitoring and patrols in the conservancy. ANAW has been supporting the Conservancy since 2015. The ranch is a critical dispersal area for Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.