On Animal Welfare
I was given an errand, hauling stuff from one place to our house. It was nearby, so we opted for an Oxcart, locally known as Keken Shanu/Amalanken Shanu in Hausa. These carts are like the pickup trucks of my rural area, commonly used for carrying farm produce and goods. Interestingly, I've even witnessed them being utilized to transport a bride to her new husband's house both in my village and other places more rural.
To assist me in this endeavor, I enlisted the services of Ali, a middle-aged boy skilled in handling the cattle that would pull the cart. As we embarked on our journey, we settled into a comfortable spot on the Oxcart, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of Brandy's "Mr. Piano Man."
During the ride, I couldn't help but notice Ali consistently whipping the cattle, even when they were moving perfectly well. Interrupting my musical enjoyment, I questioned him about this practice. His response was that they're not fast, and this is the most effective way to control them while they work. Curious, I inquired about their food and water intake, only to learn that they hadn't been fed or given water since early morning because, according to Ali, it was too early for that.
Reflecting on the journey, I realized this harsh treatment was a common practice when using Amalanke for load transportation. The controllers always seemed to have a whip, using it intermittently even when unnecessary. It brought to mind lessons on proper diet for animals before engaging them in any kind of labor.
Taking a moment to educate Ali, I conveyed the importance of feeding the cattle an adequate amount of food and water before involving them in any strenuous activity. I drew a parallel between diet, energy, and work, explaining that with the right nutrition, excessive force would be unnecessary as the animals would have sufficient energy for optimal performance.
Growing up in a rural setting, I've witnessed animals being treated harshly, and at times, inhumanely. They endure strenuous activities beyond their capacity, often in a hostile working environment, facing whips and, in extreme cases, mutilations. Unfortunately, this treatment has molded them into exhibiting extremely aggressive and highly irritable behavior. The relationship formed with them mirrors that of an oppressor and a slave, where their welfare becomes a priority only if it aligns with human expectations.
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In the course of my undergraduate research, I had the opportunity to study over a hundred local/indigenous horses. Handling a few exotic/foreign breeds, a notable difference emerged. Our local horses displayed a tendency to be easily irritable, perceiving any attempt to handle them as a threat and reacting aggressively. Conversely, foreign breeds were generally docile, calm, and easily controllable. The reason, I concluded, lies in the hostile treatment and environment we subject our animals to, forcing them to adapt and become more alert and irritable.
Regrettably, in this part of the world, animals are often denied dignity and respect. Many people fail to recognize them as living entities with emotions and the capacity to perceive pain. The consequence is an evolution of aggressive behavior in these creatures, seeing humans as threats unless they are providing sustenance.
Our collective aspiration should be a society where all lives matter, including animals, and where they are treated with humane consideration, dignity, and respect—not merely as tools to be discarded when they fail to meet expectations.
In addressing the deplorable state of animal welfare, let us heed Mahatma Gandhi's words: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." This serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility, extending beyond the well-being of fellow humans to include the welfare of the creatures sharing our world.
PS: The ride with Ali turned out to be fun. He didn't whip the ox again. If you get the chance, try enjoying a Keken Shanu ride. It's organic and fun! And just to mention, it's been approximately seven years since I last enjoyed an organic Keken Shanu ride.