The WACPAW/EonA team returned to Kumasi abattoir again. Kumasi abattoir is a very large cattle, pig and goat abattoir in Ghana with on-going serious welfare problems. We trained the use of captive bolt stunners there several years ago, and have stunning implemented for the pigs, where they used to be clubbed repeatedly on their heads, but still downers are dragged, raceways and lairage are falling apart, animals are thrown over gates, there is insufficient or no water for the animals despite then arriving from far, cattle have their necks twisted and are cut with blunt knives while fully conscious…….But today we were accompanied by USAID volunteers, They examined key areas we are concerned about such as offloading points, lairage and gate facilities, raceways, and restraint techniques. Despite our efforts, the lack of operational standards and disregard for safety of humans and animals were particularly concerning.
USAID volunteers encouraged abattoir staff on implementing better practices for animal welfare. They commended WACPAW/EonA’s efforts to reduce animal suffering during transport and slaughter in Ghana. Who knows, maybe their visit will result in USAID wanting to give financial or practical help in the future, now that they have seen what challenges we face on the ground and how terribly sad and dangerous it is for animals and workers.
WACPAW/EonA team would like to thank USAID volunteers Victoria, Austin, and Mariah, as well as the Kumasi Abattoir management, for their cooperation and commitment to decreasing animal suffering in Ghana.
