The Campaign Against Cruelty to Animals in Sierra Leone (CCA-SL), a local animal welfare advocacy group, officially launched a groundbreaking initiative on Saturday, November 23, 2024, aimed at combating animal cruelty and eradicating the consumption of dogs and cats in Kailahun District.
The initiative, known as the Community and School Level Humane Education Program, seeks to transform societal attitudes toward animals through education and outreach, targeting schools and communities across the region.
During the launch ceremony, Town Chief of Kailahun, Chief Alpha Maada Ndoleh, praised CCA-SL and its partners for addressing a long-standing issue. “This bold step will help to eradicate the widely practiced animal cruelties, particularly the eating of dogs and cats in Kailahun District,” he stated. Chief Ndoleh warned that individuals found engaging in animal cruelty or consuming these animals would face fines, emphasizing the district’s commitment to ending such practices.
As part of the launch, CCA-SL, in collaboration with civil society organizations and community members, organized a public march through the streets of Kailahun. Participants carried messages condemning animal cruelty and promoting awareness of the valuable roles animals play in society.
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), a key partner of CCA-SL, was recognized for its financial and logistical support in driving the campaign. Chief Ndoleh appealed for sustained assistance from AWI to ensure the program’s success.
To bolster community education efforts, CCA-SL distributed essential teaching materials, including registers, chalks, and training resources, to volunteer humane educators covering 10 selected schools and benefiting over 500 children. Megaphones were also provided to facilitate public outreach efforts.
A prominent billboard bearing anti-animal cruelty messages will soon be erected in Kailahun, serving as a visual reminder of the campaign’s objectives.
The initiative marks a significant step toward changing perceptions and behavior surrounding animal welfare in Sierra Leone, with Kailahun District setting an example for the rest of the country.
