ANIMAL CRUELTY AND WELFARE CONDITIONS AT THE AKINYELE ABATTOIR IN IBADAN

Introduction

Animal welfare in livestock production remains a neglected issue in Nigeria, especially during slaughtering. Goats and sheep exhibited welfare consequences such as stress, fatigue, thirst, hunger, pain, fear, and distress. Most food animals reared for meat production have a range of welfare and ethical concerns, particularly during the farming and slaughtering process. The purpose of an abattoir is to ensure the humane handling of animals using hygienic techniques for slaughtering and dressing to produce hygienically prepared meat.

Methods

This study assessed animal cruelty and welfare conditions at the Akinyele Abattoir in Ibadan, where Halal slaughtering without stunning is predominantly practiced. The slaughtering process was examined in two phases—pre-stunning (arrival, unloading, lairage, and handling) and bleeding.

Results

A lot of welfare issues were identified like poor loading and unloading of the goats before slaughtering. The animals were stressed throughout the operation which will affect meat quality. These issues were linked to inadequate facilities, poor handling, and lack of staff training. Using animal-based measures, hazards and welfare risks were identified, and preventive and corrective measures were proposed.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that structural and managerial improvements are essential to reduce cruelty and enhance animal welfare standards at Akinyele Abattoir and similar facilities in Nigeria.