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.

L'articolo OIPA Liberia brings communities together to protect animals and prevent rabies proviene da OIPA.

This appointment represents an important step in strengthening OIPA’s presence in West Africa and advancing animal protection initiatives in a context where the sector is still emerging and in need of structured development. 

Robert K. Gboluma, Jr. is the founder of Youth Development Agency (YDA), an organization actively engaged in public health, environmental justifice, youth empowerment, human rights, and community-based development. His work reflects a strong belief in the connection between animal welfare, public health, environmental sustainability, and social progress. 

A Vision Rooted in Experience 

Growing up in Liberia, Robert witnessed first-hand the central role animals play in family life, agriculture, security, and community identity. At the same time, he observed the challenges animals face due to poverty, limited public awareness, and insufficient access to veterinary services. 

These early experiences shaped his conviction that compassion toward animals is a reflection of a nation’s moral and developmental strength. 

“Animal welfare is not only an ethical responsibility,” Robert explains, “but a fundamental component of environmental justice, public health, and sustainable development.” 

The Current Animal Welfare Context in Liberia 

Animal protection in Liberia remains an underdeveloped field, facing multiple structural challenges: 

• Absence of a comprehensive national animal protection law
• Limited awareness of responsible animal care
• Harmful traditional practices and animal sacrifice
• Low vaccination coverage
• Limited access to affordable veterinary services, particularly in rural areas
• Growing stray animal populations in urban centres
• Weak enforcement of existing regulations

Addressing these challenges requires long-term engagement, education, and collaboration with communities and institutions. 

 Ongoing Initiatives and Community Engagement 

Through his role as OIPA Country Representative  Robert K. Gboluma, Jr.  will be  focusing on grassroots awareness, engagement, and institutional dialogues. 

Activities will  include: 

• Community sensitization sessions promoting humane treatment and responsible pet ownership 

• Engagement of youth volunteers as agents of change 

• Collaboration with traditional and community leaders to discourage harmful practices 

• Encouraging community-based monitoring and reporting of animal abuse 

 Efforts are also underway to establish a structured national network of animal welfare volunteers across different counties to strengthen outreach, reporting, and education. 

In parallel, discussions have begun to explore the integration of humane education into school and community programs, with the aim of fostering empathy and responsible animal care among young generations. 

Looking Ahead 

 As OIPA Country Representative, Robert K. Gboluma’s vision is to build a coordinated national animal welfare network, strengthen collaboration between civil society and government institutions, promote sustainable rabies prevention and vaccination initiatives, and lay the foundation for accessible veterinary outreach programs. 

The long-term objective is to promote a culture of compassion and responsible care that benefits both animals and communities throughout Liberia. 

OIPA warmly welcomes Robert Gboluma to its global network and looks forward to supporting the development of sustainable, locally driven animal protection initiatives in Liberia. 

L'articolo OIPA Welcomes Its New Country Representative in Liberia proviene da OIPA.