Education
Improving awareness, attitude and practices towards humane treatment of animals among animal owners in Arusha.
Why It Matters
ASPA is the only animal welfare organization that has been working in Arusha region for over a decade. We provide education in basic animal husbandry and respect, protection and prevention of rabies, control of animal population and campaigning for the existing Animal Welfare Act. ASPA believes education is a critical element to increase community responsiveness to animal welfare issues and enhance the organization’s mandate in Arusha region.
The need for education on animal welfare in Arusha is pertinent. ASPA has recorded a high number of stray dogs and cats; there is still a need to counter animal abuse; there is also a need to tackle the inhumane treatment of animals at abattoirs; and also educate the general population especially those who own domesticated animals on animal welfare, change attitudes and practices towards humane treatment of animals.
How We Do It
In the Education programme area, ASPA works to provide animal welfare education in schools, villages and to the public in Arusha region with its all districts. This is done through;
Increasing public interest and debate on issues of animal welfare:
Schools, community centers and media outlets are engaged to initiate debate on animal welfare issues whilst ASPA works on disseminating education information on animal welfare and rights to further catalyze these discussions.
Community participation in mobilizing and policing against ill treatment of animals
The provisions in the Animal Welfare Act (2008) instruct any state veterinarian or police office above the rank of constable to enforce the law on animal welfare. ASPA works to mobilize its members and the community in Arusha to take up the role of community policing to ensure humane treatment of animal and where necessary engage the rule of law against inhumane treatment of animals.
Increase media coverage of animal welfare issues:
ASPA works with media companies and outlets in Arusha region to increase the number of articles and information printed and aired on animal welfare and rights issues. We work to develop some of the content while also working closely with media practitioners to build a network of media ambassadors on the plight of animals to ensure these issues are covered.
Adoption of humane slaughter for animals in all abattoirs in Arusha:
ASPA works closely with butchers and abattoirs to provide education on humane animal slaughter practices. This is to ensure that animals are treated with respect in the slaughter process but also to improve the shelf life of animal products from the livestock industry in Arusha.
Steady growth in membership and number of schools
This is done through revitalizing old members and running a membership drive programme to recruit and retain new members in ASPA. The programme has diverse activities and opportunities for members to take full advantage of their membership and contribute to ASPA initiatives.
Increased emphasis on human benefits from animal welfare to public
We work to deliver community education on human animal relations and benefits in our information education communication materials. We post articles and short stories on our blog, through media outlets (newspapers, radio, television) and through community events. We want the community to know that animal welfare issues is beneficial to human welfare as our vision goes “happy animals, happy people”.
Key Outputs
- Regular Media and open public programs on Animal welfare conducted in Arusha.
- Increased engagement of schools in Arusha, Arumeru, Karatu, Longido, Monduli and Ngorongoro districts on animal welfare issues.
- Regular village outreach programs reaching 200 villages per year conducted annually.
- Humane slaughter is practiced and adhered to in all abattoirs in Arusha.
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