The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), through the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services (DVPCS) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, have taken steps to develop emergency response strategy for animals’ welfare during disastrous situations.
The Director of DVPCS and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Musa Inuwa, while speaking at a stakeholder’s consultative workshop on animal welfare held in Nasarawa State, disclosed that the move was to create and implement policies to protect animals that do suffer in silence during disaster.
Inuwa implored stakeholders to serve as credible Animal Welfare Ambassadors within the spheres of their activities, while disclosing that FMARD had improved its animal welfare practices to meet global best practices that are in line with guidelines and standards provided by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
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The Head of Quality Assurance and Standards Division (QAS), DVPCS, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, pointed out that the department understands its role in developing a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters.
Also speaking was, the National President of the Nigerian Veterinary Association, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, who called on the Federal Government to set up committees that would involve veterinarians and animal health components to ensure proper rescue of animals during emergencies.
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She described the meeting as a very important one, pointing out that when there are disasters, only humans are rescued without taking cognizance of the animals.
The National President added that the meeting would help in setting up a program on how to include animals in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) plans and having veterinarians that are trained on animal welfare and rescue missions.
