The Commission is reviewing the Animal (Prevention of Cruelty) Act, Cap, 39. (The Act) The purpose of the review is to broadly strengthen the prevention of animal cruelty and enforcement of the law.
In Uganda, more than 50% of households depend on livestock for their livelihoods. The livestock industry in Uganda contributes 5% to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 18% to the agricultural GDP. The sector therefore continues to deliver steady growth of about 3% per annum and has significant impact on household incomes and the welfare of the people.
Animal cruelty refers to any act of deliberate harm, neglect or mistreatment of animals which may result in physical or psychological pain, injury or death. This can include actions like beating, burning, poisoning, suffocating. The Animal (Prevention of Cruelty) Act, Cap 39 was enacted in 1957 to make provision for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The Act is one of the measures that aims at ensuring quality assurance in the sector by making provision for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The implementation of the Act has been faced with challenges that stem from lack of enforcement mechanisms, unclear and ambiguous provisions that hinder compliance. Since the enactment of the Act in 1957, there have been changes in circumstances that are not adequately addressed by the Act. For example, there have been changes in perception of animal protection, evolution of animal rights and technological developments in the global, regional and the international arena. Some of the provisions of the Act are obsolete, the offences and penalties prescribed are non-deterrent. Further, emerging issues posed by technology have had an impact on welfare and productivity of animals.
The main objective of the review is to examine the Act and the institutional framework for the implementation of the Act and make proposals for reform. Specifically, the review will:
- review the legislative framework on prevention of animal cruelty;
- undertake a comparative analysis of legislation on prevention of animal cruelty at regional and international level to borrow best practices; and
- examine Uganda’s compliance with regional and international obligations relating to prevention of animal cruelty.
The review intends to update the date the law, strengthen animal protection, prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare. Further, the review will address gaps in the law and streamline implementation of the law.
The Commission has constituted a technical working group that is overseeing the review process. An issues paper has been prepared containing issues and proposals for reform that will be subjected to stakeholder consultations. The issues include:
- The need to amend the law, to widen scope animal protection to cover the general wellbeing of animals, such as breeding, feeding, transportation, medical care, peaceful slaughter, decent housing and undisturbed habitat.
- The need to amend the law, to widen the category of protected animals to include
wild animals, working animals, pets, poultry and fish.
- Amend the Act to provide clarity by defining key terms such as unnecessary suffering, responsible minister, cruelty and animal. This will provide clarity and certainty.
- The need to provide administrative structural for the implementation of the law.
- The need to provide for offences and punitive penalties to deter animal cruelty.
- The need to consolidate laws relating to animal protection and welfare.
- The need to standardize animal transportation.
- The need to regulate slaughter houses to ensure that quality standards are maintained.
REVIEW OF THE ANIMAL (PREVENTION OF CRUELTY) ACT- ISSUES PAPER
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