University LINKs Scheme
Maasai Mara University (Kenya)
Dr Dr David Obiero
Department of Animal Health and Production
Email: dr.obiero@gmail.com
2023
Report on seminar for Animal Welfare Club at Maasai Mara University held on 21st March 2023, supported by UFAW
Introduction
The Department of Animal Health and Production organized a half-day seminar on “Companion and Wildlife Animals Welfare” on March 21st, 2023 in Mau Complex, M6-01 lecture hall. The seminar focused on companion small animal welfare experiences from Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and wildlife animal welfare experiences from Kenya. The programme started at 10:20 am with a welcome address by the chair of the department, Dr. Waweru Kamundia. The invited guests included Dr. Dennis Bahati, and Dr. James Nyariki Ombati. Interested members of the school and students from school of natural resources tourism and hospitality and Department of Animal Health and Production were also invited in seminar.
Guest, chair of the department, lecturers and students at the seminar
Background of the seminar
Opening remarks and introduction of the programme was given by Dr. David Obiero (UFAW LINK) and Lecturer, Department of Animal Health and Production, Maasai Mara University. He highlighted importance of animal welfare in caring and rearing animals because of related implications on food quality and the quality of life. He also gave a detail lecture about University Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and its mission. He mentioned that UFAW working towards improving animal welfare, Link Scheme seek to encourage interest and engagement in animal welfare science, provide mentorship and publication of animal welfare research papers.
Dr. Obiero giving the opening remarks of the seminar
Keynote Address 1
Key note address was given by Dr. James Nyariki Ombati, Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA). He shared his research work and talked about companion small animal welfare Experiences. The gave several examples of the purpose and initiatives behind KSPCA. He highlighted the dangers that small animals facing such as mistreatment and inhumane killing.
Keynote address by Dr. James Nyariki Ombati, KSPCA
Keynote Address 2
Dr. Dennis Bahati, Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), talked about the major challenges of wildlife welfare, highlighted the importance of wildlife and the areas where academia should help in the restoration of both free and captive wildlife welfare.
Keynote address by Dr. Dennis Bahati, ANAW
Practical session
Finally, the Practical session was held in University farm at 1:00 pm onwards. In this, the practical session was presented by Dr. James Nyariki Ombati where he interacted with students and appreciated the activities. He demonstrated on proper handling, harnessing techniques and key donkey body parts that are indicators of mistreatment.
Dr. James Nyariki Ombati interacti
ng with students during practical session
Brainstorming Session after the practical session
Conclusions
Dr. Amos Parisimei could not participate as he was held up with Managerial activities. The programme wrapped up around 2.30 pm. The vote of thanks which was given by Dr. Serem Kipyego.
Acknowledgement
We appreciate the support from Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and Department of Animal Health and Production, Maasai Mara University, Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA). and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) for their participation.
