Pet ownership and healthcare in Kenya: evaluating the national legislative framework against the authoritative guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

Abstract

In Kenya, the healthcare and welfare of pets are inadequately addressed within the existing legal framework. Laws such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1962 focus primarily on addressing acts of cruelty but lack depth in regulating modern pet healthcare and ownership. While institutions like the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) advocate for animal welfare, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, and the legislative framework largely prioritizes wildlife conservation and livestock management. Kenya’s pet healthcare system also falls short of aligning with international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), which emphasize comprehensive welfare and veterinary practices. This study critically evaluates Kenya’s legislative framework for pet healthcare and ownership, with a focus on its alignment to OIE standards and comparisons with jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and South Africa, which have advanced systems of animal welfare. Using a doctrinal research approach, the study identifies gaps in the existing legal provisions and proposes actionable reforms to strengthen Kenya’s pet healthcare laws. By addressing these shortcomings, the research aims to provide a robust legal framework for safeguarding pets’ healthcare and welfare, ensuring alignment with international best practices.