Authors : A.O. Shoyombo, O.O. Alabi, A.G. Adeyonu, O.B. Akpor and M.O. Oluba
Abstract: There has been increased public concern on animal rights and welfare in the production and logistics chain. This has prompted an intensification in the scrutiny of how food animals are treated due to the impact of welfare on the quality and status of slaughter animals. Factors influencing this status starts at the farm, extends during animal transportation and at the abattoir. Adverse effects observed on both the animal and their products are thought to be associated with the activities these animals are subjected to before slaughter. Prior to or during this period, animals suffer pain resulting in the compromise of their meat quality and quantity, their status physically, biochemically and general health and resulting to economic losses. For the food producers, they are quite aware of the challenges of meeting the needs of this increasing human population. Although, animal production issues and topics extending from the human health to the environment have well been discussed, still, it is essential to address animal welfare related factors employed in the production chain of farm animals. A clear understanding of animal’s environment, their behavior, biochemical relations during stress and the consequences on animal’s health and welfare are important. These are useful in developing efficient and effective mitigation strategies and to promote the achievement of reasonable goals in animal rights within the Nigerian sociocultural environment. Therefore, this study, aims to highlight the literature on animal right and welfare in Nigeria and suggest strategies that could be adopted to improve animal rights.
A.O. Shoyombo, O.O. Alabi, A.G. Adeyonu, O.B. Akpor and M.O. Oluba, 2019. Animal Rights Policy in Nigeria: The Way Forward. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14: 8368-8372.