Veterinary Professionals urged to continue improving Animal Health and Welfare

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Honourable Dr. Christopher Tufton has called on veterinary professionals to continually work towards improving animal health and welfare by way of available tools, such as advocacy, scientific research and lobbying to enact appropriate legislation.
“It is the responsibility of humans to ensure animal welfare and include steps to achieve proper housing, nutrition, disease prevention, humane and responsible care and humane handling of animals,” Minister Tufton said.
He was speaking at the opening of the 26th Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Biennial Conference on November 3, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
“There can be no doubt that animal welfare and animal health are important in improving productivity and profitability. The importance of sustainable development in the production of food of animal origin cannot be overemphasised. The basis of this sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” the Minister said.
In guaranteeing improved productivity and profitability, he said that one had to ensure that the animals are allowed their basic rights to the “five freedoms,” which include the freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom to express normal behaviour, freedom from fear and freedom from pain, injury and disease.
“In summary, sound animal health and animal welfare practices will enhance animal production and productivity and ensure a safe and sustainable supply of animal protein, which in turn will enhance the health and well-being of all our people,” Dr. Tufton said.
He commended the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) for organising the conference and wished for a successful four days of activities.
The four- day conference, which is expected to conclude on Saturday, November 06, is being held under the theme, “Promoting Animal Health and Welfare for Sustainable Human Development”.