User:Chukky-D/Nigerian Local Dogs

Nigerian Local Dogs

The Nigerian local dogs are the long-headed, mostly faint-brown-colored mongrels that are indigenous to Nigeria. They are known to be more resistant to some endemic diseases of dogs in Nigeria compared to exotic pets and dogs imported into Nigeria. They attain puberty at 24 weeks of age, prior to which their serum testosterone levels are very low and no spermatozoa may be found in their semen. At 2 years of age, the males attain an average body weight of up to 15.75  kg, while that of the females may get to 14.11 kg, and because they are highly domesticated in Nigeria, they are mostly omnivorous.

Domestication and Uses

Although Nigerian local dogs are domesticated as pets, their meat is highly sought after as a major source of animal protein in many parts of the country, in spite of the fact that the dogs usually harbor gastrointestinal helminths, some of which are of serious public health importance, such as Toxocara canis, Diphyllobothrium latum, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia hydatigena, and Dipylidium caninum. These dogs are also used in hunting after undergoing rigorous training that challenges them to manifest their inborn traits, such as stamina, aggression, sensibility, strength, and flair, required for success in the wild. Notable among the many uses of Nigerian local dogs is in zootherapy, and consumption of dog meat, popularly known as "404," is believed to both prevent malaria and ward off evil spirits.

The hazard of Rabies from Nigerian Local Dogs

Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that is enzootic in 150 nations. Dog bites account for 99% of all human rabies cases and are the leading cause of rabies zoonoses. Despite efforts by the World Health Organization, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Regional Disease Investigation Surveillance System Evaluation (REDISSE II) project to secure, distribute, and organize vaccination campaigns across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sporadic rabies outbreaks are still being reported in Nigeria.

In the context of rabies exposure, apart from pediatric dog bites, the presence of rabies antigen in the brain tissues of dogs slaughtered for human consumption may be a previously unrecognized risk factor for potential rabies transmission. Children and those who butcher, handle, and consume dog meat are at high risk for rabies outbreaks; hence, canine vaccination, health promotion, and education should be addressed for these populations. Most rabies cases with a 100% fatality rate are caused by bites from stray dogs with unknown histories of rabies vaccination. Nigeria has long been regarded as a nation with a high risk of exposure to rabies. In Nigeria, rabies is endemic, and dog-to-dog, dog-to-livestock, and dog-to-human transmission have all been implicated. Dog trading, dog slaughter, and dog consumption practices are harmful to dogs and the fight against rabies, especially after research revealed that up to 28% of dogs killed for human consumption in Nigeria may have the rabies virus.

Animal Rights Issues in Nigeria: The Case of the Local Dogs

In developing nations like Nigeria, issues like poverty, illiteracy, and a lack of resources have an impact on how people view and treat animals. Some animals may be revered in some cultures while being treated with severe contempt and insignificance in others. The history of animal rights in Nigeria dates back to veterinary practice in the country. Many laws, edicts and legislations have been promulgated by the then Central (Federal) or Regional (State) governments over the years with a view to strengthening veterinary delivery in the country. The declaration of veterinary legislation was made on the 28th day of October, 1917 in Lagos when the Diseases of Animal Ordinance (now recognized as Animal Diseases (Control) Decree 10, 1988) was enacted with the objective to support the efforts of the veterinary sector in preventing and controlling outbreaks of animal diseases in the country. Since then, several other laws have been promulgated to regulate various veterinary activities at the instance of veterinarians or other professional bodies, although some of these laws are obsolete, conflicting or duplicating within or between agencies. Similarly, the level of compliance to most of these laws is low. For example, the level of compliance of two veterinary laws, the Animal Diseases Control Decree 10, 1988 and Meat Edict, 1978 of Oyo State was reported to be 26 and 25%, respectively which was too low and was attributed to amongst other things low and obsolete penalties attached to these laws.

The Nigerian local dogs, which are slaughtered for meat, are generally not humanely treated. This starts with confinement in a cage, where they are served only water while awaiting slaughter. Dog lovers will find the killing process horrifying and will not want to see it. A noose—an iron rod with a length of long string attached to it—is used to drag the named dog out of the cage. When the rope hooks the dog's neck, the twine's length shortens and squeezes around the dog's neck. When it is being hauled out of the cage, the dog's mouth occasionally opens with sporadic howls of helplessness in full view of other dogs in the cage, which join in the cry. This is followed by stunning with an iron rod and exsanguination.

It is alarming that there is no solitary act to prohibit animal cruelty or to promote animal welfare in Nigerian legislation. However, the Nigeria Criminal Code (1990) and Animal Disease (Control) Act (2004) included many prohibitions regarding animal cruelty and provided some additional protections for farm animals. The OIE's concept of animal wellbeing and an explicit promotion of the Five Freedoms are suggested to be included in an independent Animal Welfare Act that the Nigerian government is advised to introduce.