Jigawa warns livestock traders, transporters against animal cruelty, threatens prosecution

The Jigawa State Government has warned livestock traders, transporters and poultry sellers that they risk fines and prosecution if found guilty of animal cruelty.

The Director of Livestock Extension at the Jigawa State Ministry of Livestock Development, Mudansir Habib, disclosed this during a sensitisation visit to Shuwarin Weekly Market as part of activities marking Global Animal Welfare Week.

He said the government would take strict action against those who violate animal welfare guidelines, including imposing fines and prosecuting offenders where necessary.

According to him, the campaign aims to educate livestock traders and transporters on proper feeding, hygiene, safe transportation and the humane handling of animals.

Habib specifically warned transporters moving livestock from northern Nigeria to the southern part of the country against subjecting animals to unnecessary suffering during transportation.

He also cautioned poultry sellers against carrying birds upside down and engaging in other harmful handling practices, stressing that animals deserve proper care and protection.

The director said the sensitisation campaign would be extended to livestock markets across the state to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.

The Chairman of the West African Rearers Association, Mustafa Andaza, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help livestock traders understand the importance of animal welfare and discourage harmful handling practices.

The campaign, themed “Healthy Animals, Productive Livestock for a Prosperous Jigawa State,” seeks to promote animal welfare, improve livestock productivity and strengthen the livestock value chain.