The Jigawa State Government has threatened fines and prosecution for livestock traders, transporters and poultry sellers who violate animal welfare standards, warning against practices that expose animals to unnecessary suffering.

The Director of Livestock Extension at the Jigawa State Ministry of Livestock Development, Mudansir Habib, issued the warning during a sensitisation visit to Shuwarin Weekly Market to mark Global Animal Welfare Week. He said the government would sanction offenders through fines and prosecution where necessary.

Habib said the campaign was aimed at improving animal handling practices among livestock traders and transporters, with emphasis on proper feeding, hygiene and safe transportation. 

He cautioned transporters conveying livestock from northern Nigeria to the south against subjecting animals to unnecessary suffering and warned poultry sellers against carrying birds upside down.

He said the sensitisation exercise would be extended to livestock markets across the state to promote compliance with animal welfare standards. The Chairman of the West African Rearers Association, Mustafa Andaza, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help traders understand animal welfare and discourage harmful practices. 

The campaign, themed “Healthy Animals, Productive Livestock for a Prosperous Jigawa State,” is intended to promote animal welfare, improve livestock productivity and strengthen the livestock value chain.

The post Jigawa Govt to Sanction Livestock Traders Violating Animal Welfare Standards  first appeared on AgroNigeria.