Fiji to boost rural animal welfare as laws are modernized
Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna has flagged a gap in animal welfare programs for Fiji’s rural communities, even as urban areas benefit from funded initiatives such as stray dog control. He called on non-governmental organizations to broaden their focus beyond single-species efforts to deliver comprehensive animal welfare across all communities.
Tunabuna stressed the need for collaboration, saying the goal is to address both dog welfare and broader animal welfare in the countryside. He noted that while urban centers receive targeted support, rural areas require equal attention to protect livestock and public health.
The Ministry is also reviewing five key acts to modernize outdated laws and ensure they reflect current challenges, including climate change, disease prevention, and food security. The minister added that livestock welfare in areas vulnerable to dog attacks must be prioritized alongside urban animal concerns.
Context and related efforts show a broader push to strengthen rural animal health and farming livelihoods. In recent months, veterinary officers have received essential kits to improve rural veterinary care, enabling officers to diagnose and treat livestock more effectively in remote communities. These kits complement ongoing commitments to modernize veterinary services and decentralize care, reinforcing the link between animal welfare, food security, and rural incomes.
Beyond veterinary resources, Fiji has pursued initiatives such as livestock forum discussions to map out a forward-looking strategy for cattle, sheep, and goat farming, including Embryo Transfer research at the Sigatoka Research Station to boost productivity and climate resilience. Training programs for sheep and goat farming and efforts to form cooperatives aim to strengthen market access, reduce import reliance, and support sustainable rural development.
Overall, the reforms signal a proactive government approach to safeguarding animal welfare and rural livelihoods, while harmonizing legal frameworks with contemporary agricultural practices. The combination of policy reform, veterinary capacity-building, and targeted farm support offers a hopeful path toward improved food security and resilient rural communities.
Summary: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry is prioritizing rural animal welfare and modernizing agricultural legislation, with a focus on multi-species welfare, enhanced veterinary services, and broader support for livestock farming. The coordinated reforms aim to protect animals, bolster food security, and strengthen rural livelihoods across Fiji.
Additional note: The article reflects ongoing government-driven reforms and is aligned with related initiatives across Fiji’s agricultural sector, including veterinary resources, training programs, and research-backed productivity efforts. If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on how these reforms might impact rural households and smallholder farmers.
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