2023/11/06 by Fikadu, Yoobsan, Diba, Diriba
#Dalla #insufficient treatment #semi-structured questionnaire #veterinary clinics
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v9i4.01
Insufficient treatment and below-average well-being of animals were identified as major hurdles to animal production globally, resulting in substantial economic losses in terms of product and productivity. Hence, a study was carried out in chosen districts or districts within the Horro Guduru Wallaga zone of the Oromia regional state to assess how animals were handled and the state of their welfare. To achieve this, a semi-structured questionnaire was formulated and voluntarily administered to 240 respondents from four districts, namely Abay-choman, Horro, Abedongoro, and Jarte-jardega. Then, the collected data were analysed, which revealed that animals in these study sites were subjected to mishandling and subpar welfare. More specifically, the study indicated that 40% of participants reported using improperly fitting harnesses, resulting in various physical injuries. Furthermore, 35%, 14%, 27%, and 43% of informants reported that chickens were transported in inverted positions, witnessed sheep and goats tied up on the top of public transportation vehicles, reported the presence of feed and water shortages during dry seasons, and housing animals in open-air barns locally known as "Dalla," respectively. Consequently, the animals were exposed to heavy summer rain and cold weather and lacked proper resting areas. In conclusion, the study demonstrated severe animal handling practices and unfavourable welfare conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that the government establish regulations for animal handling and welfare while also increasing awareness among the public regarding the current state.