Stronger Action Urged on Animal Cruelty Laws

A professor of African and Applied Ethics, Babajide Dasaolu, has called for stricter enforcement of laws to curb cruelty against animals, stressing that their right to life must be protected.

He said the widespread belief that animals can be treated without regard for their safety is wrong, noting that animals play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. He added that animals can feel pain and should be shielded from harm.

Dasaolu spoke on Wednesday while delivering the 126th inaugural lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. The lecture, titled “For The ‘Animal-Witches’ We Kill In The Name of God: A Moralist’s Petition,” was held at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre.

He explained that in some African communities, there is a belief that witches can transform into animals such as cats, bats, owls and cockroaches, leading to the killing of such animals when seen. He questioned whether such actions target animals or alleged human witches.

The professor said some of these animals are also consumed after being killed in the name of religion, describing the situation as concerning. He added that certain religious practices promote the labeling of animals and some elderly people as evil, despite teachings that all creation is good.

He noted that normal animal behaviour, such as a cat making noise at night or a bat staying in a backyard, is often misinterpreted as a sign of witchcraft, leading to their killing and the organisation of prayers against perceived threats.

Dasaolu warned that such actions have contributed to the decline of some animal species and stressed the need to separate belief from harmful practices.

He said his lecture was not aimed at criticising religion but to encourage a shift from superstition to understanding and compassion.

He added that enforcing laws that protect animals remains key to reducing abuse and preserving their role in the ecosystem.