The meeting commenced with a passionate address by the Director of Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD) Dr. Chulu, emphasizing the collective responsibility in combating rabies. The Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) together with other stakeholders deliberated on critical aspects of the strategy, seeking to address gaps and enhance its efficacy in light of evolving challenges.

One of the outcomes of the meeting was the integration of global economic concepts into the strategy, tailored to Malawi’s unique epidemiological landscape. The LSPCA together with other stakeholders identified and incorporated crucial components which were previously absent in the strategy.

A consensus emerged regarding the need to improve the reporting and surveillance of human rabies cases, focusing on the need for a standardized, One Health approach to data collection. It was highlighted that the DAHLD would serve as the central repository for rabies-related data, streamlining information dissemination and analysis.

The National Rabies Strategy Meeting epitomized a unified commitment to combat rabies and safeguard both human and animal populations in Malawi. With tangible strategies and a renewed sense of urgency, stakeholders departed with a shared vision of eliminating human death by 2030 while advancing towards a rabies-free future. As the final draft of the strategy awaits submission to the Ministry of Health, scheduled for May 2024, Malawi stands firm on its journey towards a safer and healthier nation.

The project aims to provide trainings for shelter managers and dog handlers from various companies and institutions in aspects of dog care, welfare, and handling, as well as providing regular health surveillance and veterinary care. Upon the project’s completion at the end of this year, government-accredited stamps of approval will be awarded to companies adhering to the animal welfare standards outlined in the Malawi Animal Welfare Guidelines of 2019.

On January 31^st, 2024, the LSPCA collaborated with the DAHLD to engage with security companies and institutions in Lilongwe to discuss the raised concerns on welfare and handling of security dogs. These concerns include poor shelter, nutrition, and health conditions observed at various places where security dogs are kept. They also include concerns that security dogs are stationed with guards or handlers in the sun for extended periods without water, food, and appropriate restraining materials (which has resulted in recent surges in fatal dog attacks on innocent humans). Among the stakeholders were the Lilongwe City Council, the Malawi Police Service and 20 security companies within Lilongwe City. 

The security companies agreed to be part of the project and address the discussed welfare issues, including the overlooked animal welfare practices such as observing recommended maximum working hours, retirement age, and preventative veterinary care. In addition, the security companies agreed to work with the LSPCA and DAHLD to enhance the handling techniques of dog handlers by providing further training in dog handling and ensure the availability of proper restraining materials for dogs on duty, for public safety purposes.

World Animal Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about improving the welfare standards of animals across the globe. The day is a reminder of how animals enhance our lives and focuses on creating awareness about the effects of how we treat those that do not have a voice.

During the celebrations held in Chinsapo in Lilongwe on Tuesday, the LSPCA, winner of the 2022 World Animal Day Grant also sensitized animal owners about responsible animal ownership.

Stand up for animals who can’t speak for themselves. They need to be cared for, loved, and protected from cruelty, not just for world animal day but every day.

Senior group village headman Msewa Kakule hailed the LSPCA for the free veterinary support and knowledge shared, saying it will improve animals’ health and people’s attitude towards animals.

SPCA International

The LSPCA has stepped up to support chicken vendors in improving the transportation and welfare of their chickens. The organization has distributed custom-made chicken baskets to vendors in and around Lilongwe. By providing chicken baskets to these vendors, LSPCA not only is helping to improve the living conditions of the animals, but also ensuring that they arrive at their destination safely. The use of these chicken baskets reduces stress on the birds during transit, which can help maintain meat quality and reduce mortality rates.

LSPCA recognize that many small-scale chicken vendors lack access to proper equipment for transporting chickens, which can lead to injuries and even death. Moreover, supporting chicken vendors helps improve local economies by empowering those who rely on selling poultry as a source of income. By working with these vendors, LSPCA is making a direct impact on communities while promoting animal welfare.

Therefore, it’s crucial that all those involved in the transportation of live animals make conscious efforts towards their well-being. By supporting initiatives such as distributing chicken baskets and educating individuals on proper animal handling techniques, we can create a more ethical and sustainable world for all living beings.

As a veterinary hospital committed to promoting animal welfare and fostering strong relationships with animal owners, we bring together both humans and their furry friends.

Our veterinary farm days bring together a veterinary team, lead animal farmers, and animal owners to share knowledge and best practices of animal husbandry and animal health. We combine our community animal clinic and education on livestock health and animal husbandry topics.