Stop Whipping, Stabbing, and Choking Animals During Transport to Markets

Target: Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda

Goal: Ensure humane treatment of animals during transportation.

A growing concern has emerged in Uganda over the cruel methods used to transport animals and poultry to livestock markets and abattoirs. Animals are subjected to whipping, tail twisting, head twisting, and even piercing with sharp objects. Such inhumane practices not only cause immense suffering to the animals but also compromise the quality and safety of the meat consumed by the public.

An incident on October 22 highlighted the severity of the issue when a truck transporting about 20 cattle reportedly had to stop because a cow was gasping for air after being strangled by ropes tied around its neck. The cow was allegedly offloaded and slaughtered by the roadside, raising serious ethical and health concerns.

Handlers, known locally as Bayana, allegedly use brutal methods to subdue animals during transit. These include twisting and tying tails to poles—cutting off blood flow—and inserting sharp sticks through the eyes and noses of stubborn animals. Such practices are reportedly commonplace despite the existence of the Animals’ Prevention of Cruelty Act Cap 39, which prohibits such acts.

Authorities acknowledge the problem but cite challenges in enforcement due to lack of resources and dedicated personnel. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has guidelines and standard operating procedures for handling and transporting live animals, but these are reportedly not adequately enforced.

It is imperative that immediate action is taken to enforce existing laws and regulations to prevent further suffering of animals and to ensure the safety and quality of meat products. Uphold animal welfare laws and improve the conditions under which animals are transported.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Honorable Minister Frank Tumwebaze,

I am writing to express deep concern over widespread cruelty towards animals during transportation to livestock markets and abattoirs in Uganda. It has come to light that animals are subjected to inhumane practices such as whipping, tail twisting, head twisting, and being pierced with sharp objects. These actions not only inflict severe pain and suffering on the animals but also compromise the quality and safety of meat products consumed by the public.

An incident on October 22 involving a cow that was allegedly strangled due to ropes tied around its neck underscores the urgency of this matter. Such treatment is in direct violation of the Animals’ Prevention of Cruelty Act Cap 39 and the guidelines established by your Ministry.

I urge you to take immediate action to enforce existing animal welfare laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that all individuals involved in the handling and transportation of animals are adequately trained and held accountable for their actions. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and providing necessary resources to regulatory bodies will be crucial in addressing this issue.

By taking decisive steps, you will not only alleviate the suffering of countless animals but also protect public health and uphold Uganda’s commitment to ethical and humane treatment of all creatures.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Xavier Ceccaldi