Parliament has unanimously approved the Animal Health and Welfare Proclamation (No. 1376/2017) during its 27th regular session on Tuesday. The law introduces stricter penalties for offences including adulterating milk, selling uncertified dairy products, and handling diseased animals. Individuals who sell uninspected or untreated milk and milk products now face up to five years of rigorous imprisonment and fines of up to 50,000 birr. The same punishment applies to those who export animals or related products without a valid international veterinary certificate. The law also punishes anyone who knowingly keeps, sells, or distributes diseased animals or animal products with up to five years in prison and a 10,000 birr fine. Assaulting or obstructing animals can lead to one year of simple imprisonment or a fine of up to 3,000 birr. Solomon Lale, Chair of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Affairs, presented the report and resolution, which explained the law’s purpose: strengthening regulation of animal health, preventing communicable diseases, ensuring food safety, and improving the sector’s economic performance. Article 26 of the proclamation requires producers and processors of animal products to obtain a certificate of competence based on compliance with construction standards and good manufacturing practices. The Ministry, the Authority, or regional veterinary bodies will oversee implementation, with safety checks guided by Codex standards. The Standing Committee noted that the law brings Ethiopia in line with international animal health regulations, particularly those of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and is expected to enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy. Members of Parliament praised the draft as well-prepared and timely, citing its potential to address long-standing challenges in the livestock sector.

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