Animal Welfare Conditions: A Case Study of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study seeks to evaluate the respondents’ comprehension of animal welfare practices and identify factors influencing animal welfare, especially during transit. The welfare of animals is fundamental to the general wellbeing of humanity, and adherence to welfare standards in husbandry operations enhances farmers’ revenue. The research was conducted in government-controlled facilities responsible for routine animal inspection and slaughter services in various livestock markets and local butcher shops in Ogbomoso. Data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, tables, and Chi-square. According to the study, there is a 64.0% awareness among livestock dealers in Ogbomoso about animal welfare and its related issues, with 89.2% of the respondents indicating that they received education from animal healthcare professionals at the abattoir. The Chi-square distribution showed that transport-related animal deaths (28.48%), transport-related animal injury (20.25%), carcass disposal (17.72%), treatment of sick and injured animals (9.5%), slaughtering of debilitating animals (9.5%), and sales of sick or injured animals for slaughter (7.59%), all account for the prevalence of these factors during transport. This shows that as the distance between source to the market increases, so are the time spent traveling, the risk of an animal being injured while traveling, and the expense of treating such injury. Additional findings also shows the livestock stakeholder’s perspective on animal welfare concerns as it relates to proper housing, provision of adequate food and water, protection from diseases and harmful environmental conditions are found to be deficient in the study. In order to address these welfare concerns, the importance of animal welfare cannot be overstated, and it is crucial to prioritize their protection to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment.