Professor Urges Strict Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Laws, Cites Witchcraft Superstitions

In Nigeria, the conversation around animal welfare often intersects with deeply held cultural and spiritual beliefs. Professor Babajide Olugbenga Dasaolu's 126th inaugural lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University brings this complex issue to the forefront. His call for stricter enforcement of laws against animal cruelty is not merely about protecting creatures; it's a moral petition that challenges ingrained superstitions.

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Under this scenario, have we killed a non-human animal or a human being who is alleged to be a witch?

Dasaolu directly confronts the prevalent belief in some African communities that certain animals are manifestations of witches. This belief, he argues, leads to the hasty and often brutal killing of animals like cats and bats, which are then sometimes even consumed. He points out the ethical dilemma: are we killing an animal, or a human being accused of witchcraft? This perspective is crucial in understanding why animal welfare is a sensitive topic here, often viewed through a lens of spiritual warfare rather than simple animal rights.

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When the problem is taken further with the realisation that some of these branded animal-witches are even consumed after being killed in the name of witchcraft and in defence of the name of God, the entire affair becomes worrisome.

The professor's plea extends to the role of the church, which he notes sometimes demonizes animals and the elderly, despite religious texts affirming the goodness of all creation. This adds another layer to the societal discourse, where religious interpretations significantly influence public attitudes. From a Nigerian standpoint, Dasaolu's lecture is a vital intervention, urging a re-evaluation of practices rooted in fear and superstition, and advocating for a more compassionate and rational approach to our relationship with the animal kingdom. It’s a call to recognize the sentience of animals and their intrinsic value, independent of their perceived spiritual significance.

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If a cat made a noise beside someone’s window at the midnight hour, you assumedly take it as a sign of witchcraft oppression. Also, if a bat frequently latches itself to a corner of your backyard, this is taken as a bad omen and the next thing is to kill the animal.