ANIMAL WELFARE VIOLATIONS AND CRUELTY RELATED ISSUES TO LIVESTOCK-A REVIEW

Abstract

This study is aiming in reviewing papers on animal welfare and cruelty related issues. From the available literature, it appears that most countries rather tend to enact legislation in line with the more realistic of the views: treating animals humanly. Animal welfare concern is limited in developing countries compared to developed nations. In the United Kingdom example, there is a strong animal welfare legislation with good compliance generally. Acceptable standards of animal welfare can be determined by legislation. In Nigeria, there is a very low and unsatisfactory level of understanding
and implementation of the obligation to show concern for all aspects of animal well-being in terms of proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention, treatment, and handling. The World animal protection (WAP) has graded Nigeria deplorably in its recent reports of 2020, chief among the reasons for the country's low rating is lack of a principal legislation on animal welfare. The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) is the foremost regulator of all issues pertaining to animal husbandry in Nigeria as well as encouraging the enactment and enforcing laws. The institutes are not adequately funded to put in place the necessary facilities, equipment’s and human resources to discharge such function. Improving animal welfare may have additional benefits as many welfare problems have detrimental effects on performance and carcass quality. It has also been found to affect local and international trades. Adhearing to animal welfare guidelines can therefore increase farm profits by improving animal's productivity and efficiency, reduce losses and can facilitate international trades.