More than thirty community members gathered in the Parker Paint Community for an important awareness initiative organised by OIPA Liberia representative Robert K. Gboluma, Jr to promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the prevention of rabies.

Women, young people, pet owners, local residents, community leaders and representatives of public institutions came together to discuss how every citizen can contribute to protecting animals and creating safer and healthier communities.

The event showed that animal welfare is not only about protecting animals from suffering. It is closely connected to public health, community safety and environmental well-being.

One community, one shared responsibility

Throughout the engagement, participants explored the relationship between human, animal and environmental health through the One Health approach.

Communities are often the first to notice animals in need, possible cases of disease or dangerous situations involving free-roaming dogs. For this reason, their involvement is essential to prevent cruelty, reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases and promote peaceful coexistence between people and animals.

The initiative encouraged participants to see themselves not simply as pet owners or residents, but as active contributors to animal protection and public health.

Working towards a rabies-free Liberia

A central part of the event focused on Liberia’s commitment to the global Zero by 2030 initiative, which aims to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The technical session was delivered by Mr Abass Biaty, Lofa County Agriculture Coordinator at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr Biaty explained that rabies remains preventable, but eliminating it requires coordinated and sustained action. He highlighted the importance of vaccinating dogs on a large scale, reporting animal bites promptly, strengthening community surveillance and improving cooperation among government institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.

The discussion helped participants understand that vaccinating and protecting dogs is also one of the most effective ways to protect human lives.

Responsible ownership begins with daily care

During the session facilitated by Mr Prince Korlubah, participants reflected on what it truly means to be a responsible pet owner.

Caring for an animal means much more than simply keeping it at home. It requires providing proper food, clean water, adequate shelter, vaccination, veterinary assistance and humane treatment.

The discussion also addressed the importance of identifying pets and preventing them from roaming freely, both to protect the animals themselves and to reduce the risk of accidents, conflicts and disease transmission.

Participants were encouraged to share this knowledge with their families and neighbours and to become positive examples within their communities.

Animals deserve protection from cruelty and neglect

The final session, facilitated by Mr Bryant McGill, placed animal welfare at the centre of the discussion.

Participants explored the importance of preventing cruelty, abandonment, abuse and neglect and of recognising animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear and distress.

The session also showed that protecting animals has wider benefits. Communities in which animals are treated humanely are generally safer, healthier and better equipped to prevent disease and violence.

Animal welfare is therefore not an isolated issue, but an essential part of sustainable and responsible community development.

A community ready to take action

The engagement ended with a lively question-and-answer session, giving community members the opportunity to share concerns, experiences and ideas.

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the initiative and confirmed their willingness to support future animal welfare activities. They also called for more awareness campaigns, regular community outreach and improved access to veterinary services.

The message that emerged from the event was clear: meaningful change begins within communities.

By bringing citizens, local leaders and institutions together, OIPA Liberia is helping to build a stronger culture of compassion, responsibility and respect for animals, while contributing to the shared goal of a healthier and rabies-free Liberia.