The Order of Veterinary Doctors of Cabo Verde (OMVCV) is organizing a national conference titled "Challenges of Regulating Animal Welfare in Cabo Verde: A Case Study - Breeding and Sports Use of Horses in Cabo Verde." The event will take place in São Filipe, Fogo Island, from October 30 to 31. The conference aims to bring together public authorities, veterinary professionals, breeders, horse owners, and other stakeholders to discuss the main challenges related to animal protection and welfare in the country.
The choice of horse breeding and sports as a case study is due to the social, cultural, recreational, and economic importance of these activities in Cabo Verde, particularly on Fogo Island. The OMVCV highlights the need to strengthen good practices in breeding, feeding, housing, transportation, medical-veterinary care, and animal use in racing and other activities. The occurrence of disease, injuries, accidents, and horse deaths associated with certain activities underscores the importance of reinforcing prevention, awareness, and regulation.
The conference program consists of three main components. On October 29, technical visits will be conducted to horse breeders and owners on Fogo Island, as well as institutional meetings with local authorities and entities responsible for agriculture, livestock, and animal health. These activities will help identify the main challenges and understand the local reality. On October 30, a technical conference will bring together specialists and institutional representatives to discuss topics such as animal welfare principles, veterinary professionals' responsibilities, and good practices in horse breeding and management.
The technical conference will address various themes, including the prevention and management of injuries, welfare of horses used in racing and competitions, anti-doping control, and regulation and inspection mechanisms. On October 31, a participatory workshop will focus on constructing a national strategy for regulating horse breeding and use. Participants will be invited to identify the main problems, causes, possible solutions, institutional responsibilities, and priority measures to define guidelines for a future national strategy.
Key issues to be discussed during the workshop include breeder registration, horse identification and registration, minimum housing and health requirements, medical-veterinary care, transportation, participation in racing and events, anti-doping control, inspection, and mechanisms for reporting animal abuse. The OMVCV aims to contribute to identifying the main legislative and regulatory gaps, strengthening institutional coordination, and promoting an integrated national approach based on prevention, education, responsibility, and inspection.
The conference is expected to systematize technical and institutional recommendations and identify priorities for developing regulatory instruments and a national strategy for regulating animal welfare and horse breeding. The OMVCV believes that this initiative will help improve animal welfare and horse breeding practices in Cabo Verde. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in animal welfare and horse breeding.
By hosting this conference, the OMVCV demonstrates its commitment to promoting animal welfare and responsible horse breeding practices in Cabo Verde. The event is a significant step towards addressing the challenges associated with animal welfare regulation in the country. The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to the development of a national strategy for regulating animal welfare and horse breeding, ultimately improving the lives of animals and humans in Cabo Verde.
Key points
- The conference aims to identify main legislative and regulatory gaps in animal welfare and horse breeding in Cabo Verde.
- The event will bring together stakeholders to discuss challenges and develop a national strategy for regulating animal welfare and horse breeding.
- The conference program includes technical visits, a technical conference, and a participatory workshop to address animal welfare and horse breeding issues.
