Realizing animal rights and welfare: an analysis of the effectiveness of laws on the protection of domestic animals in Kenya

Abstract

Throughout human history, animals have been used to improve the life of human beings in several ways. The products they produce such as milk and meat by cows and goats have been used by man as his fonn of sustenance. Other animals such as dogs and cats provide companionship. In addition to these, you have the donkey and horses that carry heavy loads as well as transport human beings. For these animals to effectively carry out their role they require some certain level of welfare. This paper seeks to find a justification for the entitlement of animals to animal welfare. In doing this, it will look at what rights animals are entitled and why they are entitled to those rights. In addition to this, it will look at the rise of animal welfare movements throughout history. It will then look at the current state of animal welfare law in Kenya with reference to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 as well as the current legislation in place, there will be a deeper inspection of the gaps in the law as well as implementation of that law. A comparative study will then be made with the legal framework on animal welfare in the United Kingdom and South Africa. In conclusion, after the findings of the paper have been made, this paper will seek to provide recommendations to the current animal welfare framework in Kenya.