The government has introduced instant penalty, ranging from 20,000/- to 100,000/-, against any person found inflicting pain, injury or other acts of cruelty to animals.
Launching the first-ever Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC) to oversee animals’ welfare through multifaceted efforts to prevent animal cruelty, Minister for Livestock Development and Fisheries Dr John Magufuli called for smart partnership among government functionaries, media practitioners, civil societies and the donor community to help improve animal welfare and rights.
He said the AWAC should sensitise members of the community to observe the Animal Welfare Act (No.19 of 2008).
Magufuli said the council would have to advise the minister responsible on matters pertaining to the protection of animals against cruelty as provided for in sub-section 3 and 4 of the Act.
The minister noted that, according to the universal animal protection instrument, all animals deserve freedom that include freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition, freedom from discomfort due to environmental hazards, freedom from suffering pains, injury and disease.
He said as per 2010/11 national statistics, Tanzania had domestic animals as follows: 19.2 million cattle, 13.8 million goats, 1.6 million pigs, 56 million chickens, four million dogs and cats.
He said the authorities concerned should not hesitate to impose a penalty to any person found violating the Act or being cruel to animals as they too deserved care.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
