The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, a political outfit linked to Deputy President William Ruto, has been warned against branding animals with its party colours during their campaigns.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 6, the Union of Veterinary Practitioners Kenya (UVPK) warned the UDA party for what they termed as cruelty to animals.
The union further stated that the use of animals for political campaigns was against the law and that action would be taken against politicians who engaged in the branding.
“The Union has noted with concern the rise in cases of cruelty to animals for political reasons. The prevention of cruelty to animals Act Cap 360 Part II Section 1-4 of the laws of Kenya clearly stipulates what constitutes animal cruelty.”
“The physical body application of either acrylic or latex paints, deprivation of food and water, mishandling during political rallies likely to cause unnecessary suffering and infuriation to animals constitutes cruelty to animals which is punishable by law,” read the statement.
In addition, the vets warned animal owners of prosecution if they engaged in the branding of animals.
"We, therefore, implore upon our political leaders to respect the rights of animals & be at the forefront to fight cruelty to animals. Animal owners who act in breach of animal welfare & freedoms will be prosecuted," the body stated.
In the statement, the union also implored upon other government agencies to ensure that the laws protecting the animals are implemented.
"To this end, we urge that National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Animal Welfare & Protection Bill 2019 to curb the rampant practices that have caused pain & suffering to animals," the vets stated.
The statement comes after images of a goat branded in the UDA colours circulated on social media.
During a visit to Gilgil, Nakuru County on October 7, Ruto was pictured receiving a goat from residents that had been painted with yellow colour and the initials - UDA - written on it.
In an earlier tour by the DP at the Coast regions on October 19, the DP was filmed entering Lamu Old Town while riding on a donkey that had been branded with UDA party merchandise.
The video which circulated on social media raised mixed reactions among Kenyans with some social media users accusing the DP of trying to mimic the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.
