By Bala Dauda Damaturu
The Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme (YPLDP) has partnered with the Yobe State Hisbah Commission to strengthen efforts to combat animal cruelty, illegal slaughtering and irresponsible animal ownership in the state.
The partnership is also aimed at improving the welfare of food animals, strengthening food safety and reducing public health risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
The Programme Manager of YPLDP, Dr Bulama Maina Yaro, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Yobe State Hisbah Commission, where he was received by its Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Yahuza Hamza Abubakar.
Yaro said the collaboration would provide a platform for coordinated action on animal welfare, responsible animal ownership, public health and community safety.
He expressed concern over the improper ownership and management of dogs, particularly the risk of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
According to him, responsible dog ownership requires proper confinement and supervision, routine vaccination, prompt reporting of dog bites and suspected rabies cases, as well as timely veterinary attention.
He stressed that increased community awareness and collaboration among relevant institutions were necessary to prevent dog-mediated rabies transmission and protect public health.
The programme manager also raised concerns over the transportation, handling and marketing of food animals, noting that livestock were sometimes exposed to unnecessary stress, injuries, overcrowding and inappropriate handling before slaughter.
He said humane treatment of animals was not only an ethical obligation but also essential to sustainable livestock production, food safety and public health.
Yaro further decried the practice of slaughtering food animals at unapproved locations without appropriate veterinary inspection.
He said illegal slaughtering could undermine meat hygiene and inspection standards, thereby increasing the possibility of unsafe meat entering the food chain and exposing consumers to preventable health risks.
The programme manager commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni, CON, for establishing the Yobe State Hisbah Commission, describing it as an important platform for promoting social responsibility, law and order and community values.
He appreciated the Hisbah chairman for receiving the delegation and expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to a practical and sustainable partnership for improving animal welfare and protecting public health.
Responding, Abubakar welcomed the initiative and expressed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with YPLDP in areas within its mandate.
He said humane treatment of animals was not only a matter of public health and responsible citizenship but also had significant religious implications in Islam.
The chairman cited teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on compassion towards animals, including the narration of a woman who was forgiven and granted Paradise for giving water to a thirsty dog.
He also referred to the narration warning of punishment for a woman who neglected and failed to feed a cat under her care.
Abubakar said the teachings underscored the Islamic emphasis on compassion, responsible animal ownership and the prohibition of cruelty to animals.
He also acknowledged the public health risks associated with irresponsible dog ownership, particularly rabies, and called for increased community awareness and cooperation with veterinary and public health authorities.
The partnership is expected to enhance coordinated efforts to prevent zoonotic diseases, promote responsible animal ownership, ensure humane treatment of livestock and improve food safety across Yobe.
It is also expected to support the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen collaboration among institutions working at the intersection of animal health, animal welfare, public health and community safety.