Attitudes towards animals and their welfare among cattle keepers in Morogoro and coast region in Tanzania
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Date
2014
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Investigation of knowledge on essential needs of animals, reactions of cattle keepers
towards farm and other domestic animals with the aim of determining attitudes and
perceptions towards animals and their welfare in Tanzania. Comparison was done between
traditional and peri-urban backyard dairy cattle keepers. Primary and secondary data was
collected through questionnaires, focus group discussion and on site observation.
The findings show that in both groups, awareness on animals’ welfare was recognized but
they differed in aspects like disease prevention, input associated with welfare and attitudes
towards handling and treatment of farm animals. However, the way cattle, dogs and cats
were treated seems to differ between peri-urban and traditional cattle keepers. Poor
treatment of cattle was observed in traditional group especially on aspects of dipping,
vaccination, deworming and additional feeds such as concentrates, fodder and water
supply. Low level of education, poor knowledge and little exposure on animal welfare
were the key factors for the bad treatment of animals. Comparatively, cattle were cared
more than dogs and cats in both sectors because of economic benefits. Therefore, due to
the importance accumulated from the livestock sector to the economy of individual
farmers and the country, the welfare of animals need to be advocated with all efforts.
Good trained professionals working to reduce animal suffering should implement animal
welfare laws, policies and practices. Educational campaign, seminars and workshops
should be used to promote animal welfare issues. The Ministry of livestock and fisheries
must take this as an important issue for good products of animals and for the benefit of the
country.
Description
DANIDA LEP Project
Keywords
Animals reactions, Animal welfare, Cattle keepers, Morogoro-Coast Region, Tanzania