Animal Welfare Legislation
The Republic of Malawi has an animal welfare law titled the Protection of Animals Act (1970) Cap 66:01. This is an old colonial law that has not been reviewed since it was passed in 1970. Whereas it is still very applicable now, the police barely know about it and the criminal offenses it prescribes to its violators, the definitions of the offenses are not included and makes its applicability in court difficult for both the Magistrates and the Prosecutors and the legislation is not very readily available for the police officers.
Between 22nd and 25th February 2010, LSPCA held a National Police Sensitization Workshop at the Police Headquarters in Lilongwe. Key officers from all regions were invited by the Inspector General to attend this convention that was held at the Police Officers Mess. The meeting attracted all the four Resident Regional Magistrates and Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture as well as media. Several presentations were given including the Chief of the Status Dogs at Scotland Yard in the UK on how to enforce, prosecute, investigate and issue judgment on animal welfare offenses. Furtherstill, links were established between animal welfare and domestic violence, a subject that interested most of the officers.Besides most officers contending that this was truly a revelation, they also came up with some recommendations on the subject; one of which was the providing more fool proof definition and schedules.
We are currently working with the Malawi Police and Ministry of Agriculture to establish these regulations and definitions, share them with all the stake holders and get them passed as law ultimately. This is all supported by the RSPCA International.
