Conservationists to challenge animal laws
The Naankuse Foundation is preparing to head to court to challenge what it deems “unconstitutional” laws governing the protection of animals in the country.The welfare of animals is currently governed by two laws, namely the 1962 Animal Protection Act and the 1975 Nature Conservation Act.
The globally-acclaimed wildlife sanctuary’s executive director Marlice van Vuuren said the laws are not only in conflict with each other, but are also in conflict with the Namibian Constitution.
“To compound the dilemma, the two laws are used by two different ministries in our government. The Animal Protection Act is under the auspices of the agriculture ministry, while the Nature Conservation Act resides under the environment ministry.”
Van Vuuren said Naankuse has - for nearly a decade - witnessed many atrocities and the senseless killing of wild animals.
“This is all due to the legal conundrum we are in. We have over 35 well-documented cases of severe animal abuse and killings on file, with the number growing daily. We have engaged the government on this issue and tried finding a solution through diplomacy and dialogue for seven years,” she said.
Resistance
She, however, added that there seems to be resistance from a few in government, “those benefitting from these actions”.
Her husband, Dr Rudie van Vuuren, who is the CEO of Naankuse, said if the laws do not change, animals will keep dying because the legislation does not protect them.
“Our biggest work over the years has been to help animals. But now the ministry says that if you want to help an animal, you need a permit. You cannot go and take it to a veterinarian.
“We have a veterinarian clinic, but you cannot go and take the animal to a veterinarian clinic and help it. You must now first get a permit. Now, that permit can take up to two weeks to get. Then the animals will die.”
Save the animals
Marlice said they have reached a point where it seems there is no other option but to appeal to the court of law to help change the situation.
“We have tried our utmost to change the circumstances without legal intervention, but we can no longer avoid the inevitable.
“We will be heading to court to help save the animals of Namibia. Furthermore, this legal action is in national interest. Namibia is regarded as a leader in conservation, yet our animal welfare laws date back to the 1960s and allow the senseless killing of animals.”
When approached for comment, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said he was not aware of the possible looming legal action, or any intention to litigate.
“I can only react when I see what they want in black and white, when we see something in writing.”