Nigeria is at a pivotal point in its animal welfare journey and can accelerate progress by adopting lessons from Manitoba, Canada, according to a presentation delivered by Dr. Nsikan Etuk.
The report concluded that momentum already exists in the country but requires coordinated action through legislation, veterinary leadership, and public engagement.
Dr. Etuk, a Canada based animal welfare specialist, explained that Manitoba’s success underscores the role of clear laws, empowered veterinary professionals, and structured community awareness in driving reforms.
He emphasized that Nigeria must modernize its outdated framework and integrate welfare standards into agriculture, veterinary education, and public health systems.
The presentation, titled “Animal Welfare Advocacy in Nigeria: Lessons from Manitoba, Canada,” was delivered on September 18, 2025, and offered a comparative analysis of both regions’ policies and practices. It highlighted transferable lessons in legislation, enforcement, and community engagement.
Tracing Nigeria’s trajectory, Dr. Etuk noted that animal welfare historically received little attention, with laws such as the 1965 Cruelty to Animals Act proving obsolete. For decades, interventions were sporadic and left mostly to non-governmental organizations.
Currently, Nigeria is witnessing growing NGO activities and engagement from the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). Animal welfare content has also been introduced into veterinary curricula, and awareness is rising in urban areas. However, challenges remain with poor enforcement, weak infrastructure, and inadequate funding.
Dr. Etuk pointed out that companion animal welfare in Nigeria is still poorly regulated. Stray dogs and cats continue to contribute to rabies risks, while breeding, transport, and pet markets operate without oversight. Veterinary care is also inconsistent and often unaffordable.
He stressed that animals are often kept primarily for security or economic reasons rather than companionship.
The absence of licensing, registration, and population control frameworks, coupled with weak enforcement of cruelty laws, has worsened the situation.
Dr Etuk noted that in contrast, Manitoba operates a modern system anchored by its Animal Care Act, one of Canada’s most progressive welfare laws. The Act outlines the duties of animal owners, prohibits the infliction of suffering, and provides inspectors with powers to seize distressed animals.
The Manitoba model also integrates veterinarians into policy leadership and welfare oversight, with mandatory reporting of abuse cases. Public engagement programs, including school outreach and spay/neuter initiatives, complement the legislation.
Dr. Etuk identified key components of Manitoba’s success as clarity of law, enforcement mechanisms, veterinary leadership, and integration with agriculture. These, he said, provide a blueprint for Nigeria’s policymakers and advocacy partners.
Some of the specific lessons recommended for Nigeria include the introduction of pet licensing systems, establishment of rabies vaccination and neuter programs, and structured community education on responsible ownership. Partnerships with NGOs to create shelters and adoption systems were also advised.
He added that Nigeria could strengthen its agricultural exports by embedding welfare standards into livestock value chains, aligning with global best practices. This, he argued, would not only improve welfare outcomes but also enhance the country’s trade prospects.
The roadmap proposed by the presentation includes short-term measures such as awareness campaigns, pilot inspector training, and stakeholder mapping within two years. Medium-term actions within three to five years would focus on legislative reform, curriculum expansion, and abattoir upgrades.
Monitoring and evaluation were also highlighted as crucial. Suggested tools include inspector coverage indicators, digital case tracking, welfare audits, and research partnerships with universities for long-term studies.
Dr. Etuk cautioned that political will, cultural resistance, and capacity gaps may pose barriers but recommended phased training, coalition advocacy, and community leader involvement to mitigate risks.
He concluded that targeted reforms and partnerships can fast-track Nigeria’s animal welfare transformation if pursued with urgency.
