The Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering awareness and advocating for the welfare and protection of a wide range of beings in Somalia, including farm animals, companion animals, working animals, wildlife, and humanity as a whole, encompassing the fundamental principle of One Welfare. Their mission is to create a society where animals are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity, and they work tirelessly to advocate for their rights and well-being.
SAWS diligently collaborates with national and international member organizations, the government, and relevant stakeholders across Somalia to sensitively promote compassionate practices and uphold the interconnectedness of health and well-being through One Health initiatives, while also championing the preservation of nature and its invaluable biodiversity.
Their main activities include:
Advocacy: SAWS promotes animal rights and welfare through awareness campaigns and lobbies for animal protection laws.
Education: The organization educates the public on responsible animal care and the importance of treating animals humanely.
Veterinary Services: SAWS offers veterinary care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering programs to control animal populations.
Wildlife Conservation: The organization engages in efforts to protect and conserve endangered or threatened wildlife species.
Community Outreach: SAWS works with local communities to address human-animal conflicts and promote coexistence.
SAWS conducts various activities to improve animal welfare in Somalia, including seminars and awareness campaigns involving donkey owners, veterinary students, and primary school students to foster awareness and understanding of the humane treatment of these hardworking animals. SAWS also conduct animal welfare assessments and awareness initiatives involving dairy camel farmers in the Benadir region. Moreover, SAWS has been addressing the disturbing issue of some owners using Tramadol to push animals to work beyond their limits. SAWS is fervently spreading awareness to address this pressing concern and is committed to a future where donkeys are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.
On the last occasion of World Animal Day, SAWS conducted a seminar about “The Benefits of Improving Animal Welfare from the Perspective of Animal Production.” This event was held in Mogadishu, Somalia on October 5, 2023, to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare in animal production.
SAWS is dedicated to fostering a world where animals are free from cruelty, where their rights are upheld, and where their voices are heard. Considering our common vision, we have decided to nominee SAWS CEO Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud as OIPA Representative for Somalia.
The plan of OIPA Somalia is primarily to focus on improving the welfare of donkeys in Somalia. Donkeys face significant challenges such as beating, drug abuse, overloading, and neglect. I aim to implement educational programs, advocate for humane treatment, provide medical care, and work on policy reforms to ensure better living conditions and treatment for these animals.
Our wish is to achieve together our shared goals.
For info: SAWS Facebook Page
