The Jigawa State Government has warned livestock traders, transporters and poultry sellers against violating animal welfare standards, threatening fines and prosecution for offenders.
The Director of Livestock Extension at the state Ministry of Livestock Development, Mudansir Habib, issued the warning during a sensitization visit to Shuwarin Weekly Market to mark Global Animal Welfare Week.
Habib said the campaign was designed to promote humane animal handling practices among livestock traders and transporters, with emphasis on proper feeding, hygiene and safe transportation.
He cautioned livestock transporters conveying animals from northern Nigeria to the southern part of the country against practices that cause unnecessary suffering. He also warned poultry sellers against carrying birds upside down.
According to him, the sensitization campaign will be extended to livestock markets across the state to improve compliance with animal welfare standards.
The Chairman of the West African Rearers Association, Mustafa Andaza, welcomed the initiative, noting that it would educate traders on animal welfare and discourage harmful practices.
The campaign, themed “Healthy Animals, Productive Livestock for a Prosperous Jigawa State,” aims to improve animal welfare, boost livestock productivity and strengthen the state’s livestock value chain.
