ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT AND NATURE OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ANIMAL WELFARE PROTECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Animal Welfare Protection is receiving a global concern and attention. This concern has increased awareness on the need to address this area in international law and from there promote it to the regional level and national domains. The concern to protect animal rights and welfare has become an emerging thought prescribing humane treatment for animals of different categories all over the world, including farm animals, companion animals, wild animals, captive animals and laboratory animals etc. The movement and struggle for animal rights protection has raised consciousness over some issues in animal welfare touching on sheltering, cruelty; improved feeding and others. Much as it is understood that efforts are being made at international level by United Nations and other concerned groups like "PETA"(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and "FARM" (Fann Animal Reform Movement) Mobilization for Animals) ("MFA") for an international instrument promoting animal welfare. It is critical to state that at present, there is practically no legal frame work effectively protecting and promoting animal welfare in Nigeria. This paper therefore reviews the existing laws on animal welfare in Nigeria for the purposes of determining the extent of protection they offer if any for protection of animal rights and welfare. The study will also find out the challenges facing the implementation of animal welfare protection laws in Nigeria and find out, if there is any advocacy for animal rights and welfare protection in the country. The paper seeks to discover the responsibilities of the government of Nigeria, the non – governmental organizations and civil society groups in Nigeria towards the promotion of animal welfare in Nigeria. Finally, the paper will make recommendations on the best way forward to present an effective legal framework in Nigeria that will ensure a safe animal welfare protection and guarantee a strong animal rights advocacy initiative in Nigeria.