African leaders sign the global petition to the UN for recognition of Animal Sentience

Dr Noah Wekesa, Kenyan Minister for Education, became the first person to sign the Global Petition to the UN for the recognition of Animal Sentience, in June 2006. 'The world is waking up from a deep slumber. Animals do matter. Animals are sentient,' he said.  

Dr Bonaventure Mtei, Representative for the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in the Southern African region, has also signed the petition.

Based in Gaborone in Botswana, Dr Mtei said: 'I strongly advocate the promotion of animal welfare and the recognition of animal sentience.'

'In Africa, the ownership of animals has always been a symbol of wealth and prestige and there is no doubt that we will continue to exploit animals. But surely this has to be done in the recognition of animals' rights to well-being?'

Dr Mtei is in the process of establishing a networking group on Animal Welfare in all 14 member states of the Southern African region. 

!!! TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE GLOBAL PETITION, GO TO www.animalsmatter.org