Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry is stepping up calls for stronger partnerships to bolster animal welfare and safeguard public health across the country. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna underscored that legislative reviews are moving forward, while parallel efforts focus on reducing disease risks that can pass from animals to people.
The minister noted that some animal-welfare groups tend to focus heavily on dog welfare, but the ministry aims to address the broader animal-welfare spectrum. “We would like to work together so that we address both dog welfare and other animal welfare in our communities,” Tunabuna said. He emphasized that the Ministry cannot do this alone and is funding programs through organizations like SPCA to help manage stray populations in towns and cities.
Community outreach and awareness are highlighted as vital, particularly in rural areas where services are limited. The Ministry is urging animal-welfare groups to collaborate, ensuring that pet welfare and broader livestock concerns are tackled in tandem. Tunabuna reiterated that animal welfare goes beyond households—it protects livelihoods, ensures proper nutrition, and safeguards public health across Fiji.
Contextual note: This push aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen veterinary services nationwide. Recent initiatives to equip veterinary officers with essential tools and resources are part of the broader strategy to improve animal health, support rural farming communities, and boost food security. Strong partnerships and coordinated action from government, welfare groups, and community organizations are seen as key to building a resilient animal-health system.
Additional value and implications:
– A One Health approach is being advanced, linking animal welfare to human health, food security, and rural livelihoods.
– Expect updates on the legislative review timeline and which acts will be prioritized for reform, with potential impacts on licensing, welfare standards, and enforcement.
– The success of SPCA and other partners will likely be measured by stray population management, vaccination rates, and compliance with welfare guidelines in both urban and rural areas.
– Potential follow-up angles include how rural communities access welfare services, the role of para-veterinary staff, and how education campaigns translate into behavioral changes among pet owners and livestock keepers.
Summary: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry is pursuing a collaborative, nationwide approach to animal welfare, combining policy reviews with practical support for welfare organizations and communities. The goal is to protect animals, safeguard public health, and strengthen livelihoods across Fiji, from towns and cities to remote rural areas. The initiative carries an optimistic outlook for healthier livestock, better disease prevention, and more resilient rural economies.
Positive spin: By uniting government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, Fiji is laying a foundation for stronger animal welfare, improved public health, and robust rural development that can endure future challenges.
If you’d like, I can add a brief sidebar with potential quotes from ministry officials or partner organizations, or draft a follow-up outline for reporters on the legislative review process and expected milestones.
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