The Union of Veterinary Practitioners of Kenya (UVPK) has warned Kenyans against abuse of animals for political reasons.
This comes after photos of DP William Ruto with goats branded in UDA colors surfaced in social media platforms.
“The Union has noted with concern the rise in cases of cruelty to animals for political reasons. The prevention of cruelty to animals Act Cap 360 Part II Section 1-4 of the laws of Kenya clearly stipulates what constitutes animal cruelty,” UVPK said in a statement.
UVPK went ahead to mention some of the acts that it terms as cruelty which are punishable by the law.
“The physical body application of either acrylic or latex paints, deprivation of food and water, mishandling during political rallies likely to cause unnecessary suffering and infuriation to animals constitutes cruelty to animals which is punishable by law,” the vets said.
The union also warned owners who allow their animals to be branded that they will be prosecuted.
“We, therefore, implore upon our political leaders to respect the rights of animals and be at the forefront to fight cruelty to animals. Animal owners who act in breach of animal welfare & freedoms will be prosecuted,” the body stated
The practitioners further urged the National Assembly to pass the 2019 bill that will curb the rampant practices that have caused suffering to animals.
“To this end, we urge that National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Animal Welfare & Protection Bill 2019 to curb the rampant practices that have caused pain & suffering to animals,” the statement further read.
5. We therefore implore upon our political leaders to respect the rights of animals & be at the forefront to fight cruelty to animals. Animal owners who acts in breach of animal welfare & freedoms will be prosecuted. @DCI_Kenya@DPPS_KE @NPSOfficial_KE@FredMatiangi @InteriorKE pic.twitter.com/nV7wmsdNv9
— UNION OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS, KENYA (UVPK®) (@vet_unionKE) November 7, 2021
While in Gilgil, Nakuru County over the weekend, Ruto was photographed receiving a goat painted in yellow, with UDA initials written on the side and the other side written ‘RUTO’.
In his tour to the coastal region on October 19, Ruto was filmed riding on a donkey that had been branded with UDA party merchandise as he entered Lamu Old Town.
The video left netizens talking with some accusing Ruto of trying to mimic the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem.
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