The Society for Animal Rights Protection (SARP), has advocated the establishment of a Nigerian Code for Animal Transportation.
SARP emphasized that the policies would raise awareness and promote humane treatment of animals during transit, urging swift action from authorities.
The pro animal rights group at a webinar scrutinised the inhumane conditions under which animals are transported across Nigeria at a webinar themed “Welfare of Animals During Transportation”, to draw national attention to the suffering endured by animals during road travel.
Leading the pack, a Lecturer from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr. John Abiola described the current practices as appalling and grossly inadequate, noting that many animals are transported in unsafe, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions, often resulting in stress, injury, and death.
According to Dr. Abiola, vehicles used for animal transport are frequently not fit for the purpose, emphasising that proper animal transport requires clean, disinfected vehicles with smooth surfaces, secure partitions, and high side walls to prevent escape or falls while sharp edges and protrusions must be eliminated to avoid bruising or injury.
He also stressed the need for properly designed loading ramps. These, according to him, should have non-slip, grooved surfaces with gentle slopes to ensure safe movement of animals. He noted that poor ramp design often causes animals to slip and sustain injuries even before the journey begins.
Speaking on best practices during loading, Dr. Abiola warned against mixing animals of different species, ages, or sexes in one vehicle.
He condemned the common practice of lifting animals by their horns, legs, or wool, describing it as both cruel and dangerous. Stressing that Pigs, should not be fed before transport to prevent death due to stress.
During transit, animals should be checked 30 minutes after departure and at two-hour intervals thereafter. Adequate lighting should be available for night-time checks, and animals’ legs must never be tied. veterinary support should be readily available in the event of illness or injury..” He recommended
Dr. Abiola outlined journey duration guidelines, recommending a rest period of 12 to 24 hours for young ruminants and horses after 24 hours of travel.
For pigs, rest is advised after 36 hours. Matured cattle, sheep, and goats should not travel for more than 36 hours without rest, feed, and water.”
Highlighting the consequences of poor welfare, he listed stress, injuries, fractures, paralysis, coma, and death as frequent outcomes of negligent transport. He urged the adoption of quality control systems, enforceable regulations, and nationwide training for animal handlers.
Earlier, in an address, President of the Society for Animal Rights Protection, Dr. Ibikunle Faramade, described the advocacy as a trans-disciplinary responsibility and assured that all recommendations would be submitted to relevant government agencies for necessary action.
