AN APPRAISAL OF THE CONCEPT OF ANIMALS PROTECTION AND ITS APPLICATION UNDER STATUTORY AND ISLAMIC LAWS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF SOKOTO AND ZAMFARA STATES
AN APPRAISAL OF THE CONCEPT OF ANIMALS PROTECTION AND ITS APPLICATION UNDER STATUTORY AND ISLAMIC LAWS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF SOKOTO AND ZAMFARA STATES
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Date
2021-03
Authors
ABDULLAHI, Isiyaku Aliyu
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Abstract
Generally, human beings relate and deal with animals in many instances. However, in the course
of dealing or relating with animals, human beings take undue advantage of animals thereby
subjecting them to abuses, and needles exploitations Thus, cruelty and maltreatment of animals
are common practices in various local communities, particularly in underdeveloped countries
like Nigeria. Hitherto, the concept of animal protection was developed out of empathy for the
plight of animals. In recent time, however, animal protection has become integral part of human
development, and gradually grows to be concern of many contemporary societies. However,
little or no attention is so far paid to view animal protection from ethological perspective.
From practical perspective, there are various national and international legal frameworks which
seek to provide protection to animals. However, in Nigeria, these laws appear to be ineffective
and inefficient and invariably fail to protect animals. The objective of this research is to examine
animal protection as a concept, as well as its application under statutory and Islamic laws in
Nigerian not only from dominant view of human perspective, but also, from ethological
perspective of animals as an independent species. Using both doctrinal and empirical
methodology, the research establishes that animal protection as a concept is a controversial
subject that is founded on unrealistic assumptions. The research also established that there is
need to holistically review and change the narrative about animal protection from the perspective
of human selfish interest, to ethological perspective that sees animals as an independent species.
Also, the relevance and significance of animal protection to human development and animals as
species cannot be overemphasized. The research has further showed that animal protection is not
an unknown phenomenon to Nigerian laws including Islamic law. There are many laws that seek
to protect animals in the country. However, in practice, these laws are archaic, ineffective and
inefficient. It is disheartening to say, considering the rate at which animals are being abused in
Nigeria; one tends to wonder whether there is any law protecting animals in the country. Often,
the laws are flouted and violated with impunity. The Islamic rules which promote animal welfare
and protection are neglected and flouted by Muslims. The research finds that ignorance, cultural
orientation and poor animal governance are the major factors responsible for the ineffectiveness
of these laws in Nigeria. Therefore, to develop an effective and efficient animal protection laws
in Nigeria, there should be review and change of narrative about the concept, including legal
reforms that would bring forth viable, acceptable and realistic animal protection laws. Also, there
should be a rigorous public enlightenment and campaign on animal protection laws and their
benefits to human society. Beyond this, governments and its relevant agencies should take
enforcement of animal protection laws serious. Concerted efforts should be made by government
to ensure that violators of animal protection laws are brought to book. As a viable and effective
animal protection system is now an ingredient of human and environmental development.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE
STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF
LAWS DEGREE-LLM
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LAW,
FACULTY OF LAW,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
APPRAISAL CONCEPT,, ANIMALS PROTECTION,, APPLICATION,, ISLAMIC LAWS,, NIGERIA, SOKOTO,, ZAMFARA STATES.