Solanke condemns destruction of human lives, farmers’ plantations to protect animals

THE first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN), Chief ( Mrs.) Folake Solanke, has said that human lives cannot be destroyed while protecting animal rights and lives.

Solanke stated this at the weekend during the launch of Society for Animal Rights Protection ( SARP) at Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oy o State capital, with the theme, “Protecting Animals in the Interest of Nature.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who stressed the need for protection of animal rights, however , said that destruction of farm plantations was totally unacceptable.

She said: “We must live in harmony with animals by respecting their rights and avoiding cruelty with them. It is therefore obligatory for us to teach our children to be kind to animals right from childhood.

“Our mode of transportation and slaughter of animals is a scandalous example of the total disregard for animal life. We must promote the welfare and wellbeing of animals.

“However, as the advocate of the protection of animal rights, the point must be made that the current murderous violence of herdsmen to devastate and destroy farmers’ plantations is totally unacceptable. The herdsmen and cows must not be allowed to trespass on other people’s land or perpetrate murder, arson, rape and other despicable acts with impunity. No sane country will tolerate such a regime of scandalous brutality and mayhem.”

An ace broadcaster , Yemi Ogunyemi, corroborated Solanke.

Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN), Chief Lateef Fagbemi, who was chairman on the occasion and represented by another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola, said that protecting animals was in human interest. Earlier, President, Society for Animal Rights Protection ( SARP), Dr . Ibikunle Faramade, said: “While it is true that the status of animals are different from that of humans, both legally and normatively, they deserve humane treatment and ethical considerations in the way and manner we handle, use and relate with them.

“It is time to put Nigeria on the map of countries that have determined to encourage sustainable use of animal resources, prevent abuse and cruelty to animals in all its forms and promo - tion of animal welfare.”