The Department of Animal Science of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has hosted the 2026 International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) Conference, bringing together animal scientists, researchers and experts from Africa and beyond to promote innovative and inclusive approaches to animal welfare and ethology.
The conference, which was on the theme, “Animal Welfare: Driving Innovative and Inclusive Animal Ethology in Africa,” provided a platform for participants to share research findings, examine emerging challenges in animal welfare and explore practical approaches to improving the treatment, management and productivity of animals across the continent.
Speaking at the conference, the Central Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. Azazu Ebenezer, called for greater attention to animal welfare, noting that the issue remains largely overlooked in many communities and within the livestock sector.
Mr. Azazu stressed that animal welfare should be understood as a comprehensive responsibility involving proper housing, feeding, handling and general care of animals.
He, however, observed that limited public knowledge of basic animal welfare requirements continues to affect the manner in which animals are treated.
The Regional Director further noted that although legislation exists to protect animals, inadequate enforcement of the laws remains a major challenge in addressing animal welfare concerns effectively.
Mr. Azazu expressed particular concern about the number of livestock kept under free-range systems, where animals are often left to fend for themselves with little or no proper care.
He, therefore, called for increased public education and stronger enforcement of existing legislation to ensure that animals receive appropriate care and protection.
Mr. Azazu urged stakeholders in the agricultural and livestock sectors, as well as communities, to take animal welfare seriously, stressing that proper housing, feeding and care are essential components of responsible livestock production.
The Head of the Department of Animal Science, Prof. Moses Teye, in a remark, called for increased education on the proper handling and welfare of animals in Ghana.
According to him, poor handling of animals is one of the factors affecting their growth and productivity, while the activities of unskilled animal handlers continue to hinder the development of the livestock industry.
Prof. Teye explained that the initiatives being undertaken through the conference and related programmes seek to sensitise Ghanaians to the importance of proper animal care and responsible handling.
“We are not here to fight for the rights of animals, but we want them to be treated fairly,” he said, emphasising that mistreatment of animals could result in lower productivity.
He urged Ghanaians, particularly farmers and animal handlers, to provide animals with appropriate care and attention. Improving animal welfare, he noted, would not only reduce unnecessary suffering but also enhance the growth and productivity of livestock and contribute to the development of Ghana’s livestock industry.
The conference underscored the need for stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, farmers, animal handlers and other stakeholders to advance animal welfare practices and promote sustainable livestock production in Ghana and across Africa.
