Private security players employing the services of security animals, especially dogs, now risk a fine of up to Ksh300,000 for mistreatment.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki included the fine in the latest Private Security (Use of Animals in Private Security Services) Regulations, 2024, indicating that the animals should not be beaten, kicked or face any form of physical abuse.
First, the care and use of animals for private security purposes dictates that a custodian of the animal should treat them with respect and dignity and must be accountable for any act done by the animal.
The owners are also expected to not subject or cause the animal to be subjected to any form of fear, pain, stress or suffering, provide an environment that is appropriate to the care as well as transport the animal in a manner that does not subject the animal to injury, pain or anxiety.
The animals must also be provided with veterinary care in case of a disease, an injury or the delivery of an offspring. The medical procedure should, however, not cause an animal unnecessary suffering.
"Where an injury or damage is occasioned by an animal used for security purposes, and the victim is not a trespasser, the custodian of the animal commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both," read part of the regulations which have been published for public participation.
In a different section prohibiting cruelty to the animals, the private security provider is expected that the handler does not beat, kick, mistreat, over-ride, over-drive, over-load or torture the animal and must refrain from using an animal which is diseased, injured or in such physical condition that it is unfit to be used for security purposes.
The regulations also stipulate that the animals must be transported in a comfortable manner and should be adequately fed.
Animal handlers are also expected not to abandon them and must maintain a clean environment for the animals.
"A person who contravenes (the regulations) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand for a natural person or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both," added the regulations.
"Where the offence under this regulation is committed by a juristic person, the private security provider shall be liable, upon conviction to a fine of one million shillings."
The regulations come as the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) demand a salary boost for 1.3 million officials serving in the sector.
The Authority demands that the minimum wage be pegged at Ksh30,000 per month.
