Kenya’s Constitution on Animal Rights and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Kenya’s constitution which was promulgated in 2010 covers animal rights, both domestic and wild animals. In Chapter 5 Part 2 (Environment and Natural Resources), the constitution obligates the state to protect biodiversity. The Fourth Schedule further explains the roles of the two levels of government in promoting animal welfare; the national government is responsible for protection of wild animals in conservation areas while the county governments are mandated to seeing the welfare of domestic animals. The Kenyan parliament passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (2012) which was a revised version of the earlier law passed in 1983. The new law is broader and aims to control the treatment of animals including their use in experiments.
The law states that cruelty towards an animal is prohibited. These include committing violence on the animal, overworking it while unwell, starvation and denial of water, abandonment, poisoning, careless surgery procedures, hunting and killing in a cruel manner, and prolonging the life of an animal in great pain.
This law also prohibits placement of traps and snares that cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to check on a trapped animal, as well as willfully poisoning of animals. Slaughtering an animal in a manner that causes unnecessary suffering is also prohibited. This is why the KSPCA was instrumental in introducing humane slaughter of animals in Kenya. After having seen the way animals suffer in abattoirs, the KSPCA embarked on a humane slaughter program promoting the use of captive bolt pistols, which are imported together with blank ammunition, that are sold to the abattoirs at cost price. The KSPCA inspectors teach slaughter houses staff on proper use of humane killers and their maintenance.
Training an animal in a cruel manner that inflicts pain and terror is prohibited. These includes use of whips, goads, and electrical shocks. So is performing acts of entertainment where an animal is made to suffer, including fighting. Hawking of animals in a cruel manner is also illegal.
For more information, refer to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Should people sell cats and dogs?
Hello. Selling of dogs and cats is not prohibited provided it’s done under the proper conditions.
hello so my dad started killing cats or even kittens he goes as far as taking new born kittens and putting them in a bonfire to burn. He also has employed children who are barely even 13 years old to stone the cats. We have told him various times to stop doing this but he doesn’t listen, the parents of the children do not know what is going on but i plan to inform them today. Is there a way that he can be tried and taken to jail as this is against the law. Please help
Hello Chantal. Kindly send us your phone number for a direct conversation with the relevant personnel, or reach us on 0733571125/020-2430318
What qualifications needed to someone to join as volunteer ? Or just you and your passion and did you have classes of educating those willing to volunteer ? Kisumu where is offices
Hello. We do not have a branch in Kisumu. There are no particular qualifications; provided you are 13 years and above.
My dog a boerboel has been sick for the longest my vet has been coming and said we put it to sleep as she showed no sign of getting better. I switched vets one who came and said he needs to take it to the clinic. My dog sleeps on a mattress and has her own big house 1000sq feet.
The vet moved it to his clinic put her on a drip and later placed her infront of the toilet where everyone using the loo jumps her with a strong smell and all flies attacking her body and wounds. The most painful part is not the charge of 10,000/- but the fact that more than 6kennels are empty. I have video evidence. What action can I take against him as he is not giving the dog the care he pretends to offer
Hello John. Kindly reach our Animal Welfare Officer via email [email protected] for further assistance.
Hey, I have just seen a video of some kids putting a fire cracker in a chickens ass and they lit the cracker up, sadly the fire cracker went boom as the chicken was running for it’s life. There is no telling wether the chicken survived the tragic incident, is that animal abuse?
Hello Qt. Yes it is. If you have the video leads please share with us so we can educate them.
I left my dog at my friends place as I had to travel for work when I was away he called me and told me my dog has died due to the neighbour’s kids they bet it to death… I need to be assisted on this matter I have the evidence
Hello Wahid. You need to report the matter to the nearest police station.
I am 15. I have 2 dogs. My father pays for their vaccinations every 6 months. He also pays for the dog products like shampoo and other liquids. But food is provided by me and the neighbours as they are for security and they are protected because of the dogs. My neighbours have now taken full control of the dogs and they are being caged forcibly for 12-14 hours. They also refuse to buy food for the dogs at times. She refuses to pay a mere 5000 for vaccinations. She is stubborn. I have talked to her many times to stop this but she doesn’t listen at all. I have also talked to my parents to inform the neighbours but parents refused because they thought I am just causing a fight between us. I don’t know what to do now. It’s like we pay but she decides. One of the dog is living the last days of his life and I want him to live freely. He cries everyday at the cage, wanting to be opened.
Pls know that I can’t call police because am not above 18. Can I call you for some assistance? I can handover the call to my neighbours. You can maybe tell them the consequences they will face if they continue this.
Hello. Kindly send us a contact we can reach you on further assistance.
I live in a shared compound. My neighbor keeps untrained puppies. They poop all over and barks too much especially towards kids. It has become like a prison for my toddlers as they can’t even play outside.
What’s the law on keeping pets in public resident areas?
Hello Margaret. Kindly call 0733571125 and request to speak to a Field Officer/Animal Welfare Officer for further assistance.
My neighbour broke my dogs leg completely it can’t walk-my boy cried helplessly, what step should I take against him?
Hello Nancy. Please get your dog to be urgently checked by a vet, then report to the case to nearest police station. You can then reach us via 0733571125 for further assistance.
My neighbor burned my two puppies into ashes using a petrol.My son is so traumatised by the incident as the puppies were so helpless.which step can I take. Please help
Hello Winnie. Sorry about that. You need to report to the Police Station.
What section do you use to accuse owner of the dog that bite a person
Hello Allan. You need to report to the Police Station.
I recently saw a video of a helpless cat being tortured by two young men by being thrown and pressed into a lit jiko. The cat burnt to death as it screamt and this broke my heart. I know there’s not much that KSPCA can do about it at this point but it just feels wrong that the two men get to go away with it
Hello Wamuyu. We appreciate your concern. We are trying our best to keep educating the public on animal welfare and to stop animal cruelty.
Have issue with people killing wild snake , where can i report this and get a quick response to stop it
Hello. We advise you to get in touch with the Kenya Wildlife Service for further assistance. Thank you.
My neighbors bog has been severely hacked using a machete on the spine and has 8 puppies 1week old we don’t know how to treat it
Hello Esther. Please contact our Emergency line 0733571125 for further assistance.
Hello KSPCA my neighbor tried poisoning my pet and her house help told me about it. What should I do?
Hello. Sorry about that. In such cases we advice you to report the case in the nearest police station for further assistance.
How do i report someone trying to kill puppies?
Hello. In such cases we advice you to report the case in the nearest police station for further assistance.
am now in naivasha, what am seen done to donkeys is total torture. i
KSPCA.. Do a thing about it.. actions not just mere paroding.😥😥
Hello Moses. Thank you for your concern for the donkeys. The KSPCA is keen on the welfare of donkeys and our Naivasha team has been going to the fields and educating donkey owners on proper harnessing.
how can i become a KSPCA volunteer
Hello Nelson. You need to come to our offices and sign a volunteer waiver form then you’ll be guided further by the relevant personnel.
Please i beg you watch over the dog s people are mistreating them i would like to know the cause of action one should take
Hello. The county vet officers should ideally be notified as they are in charge of the animal welfare in their jurisdiction. You can also contact us as we advocate for animal rights.
I am in Nakuru county and would wish to be involved in the KSPCA activities. What steps do I follow and what qualifications?
Hello Joseph. You can become a member of the KSPCA by signing up on our website: https://kspca-kenya.org/how-you-can-help/become-a-member/
You can also become a volunteer, although we do not have a branch in our Naivasha branch. Thank you.
Hello,
What is the animal welfare legislation concerning farmed animals in Kenya? Is it only the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or there is something else? (for example about the transport and slaughter of animals)
Thank you
Carlo
Hello. There is Meat control act, Disease control act and Rabies control. Various professionals working within the animal welfare sector also do have regulations for the purpose of improving animal welfare.
Animal rights are no longer observed. People are becoming cruel to animals yet I don’t see any action taken. Why?
Hello Stanley. The KSPCA always takes action on any cases reported regarding animal cruelty.
Whose role is it to uphold animal rights in Kenya? Every town I go to I see donkeys overworked and whipped openly 24/7. It is heartbreaking to watch. Not long ago I witnessed a guy mercilessly run over a sheep.Maybe people should be taught that animals have feelings too.
Hello Wanjiku. It is the responsibility of every individual to uphold animal rights. Animal organizations mainly step in to create more awareness. Cases of animal cruelty are supposed to be reported at the nearest sub-county veterinary office and animal welfare organizations. When you see such incidents, always feel free to reach the KSPCA via 0733571125.