Historic new law to protect millions of Ethiopia’s working animals

14 May 2025: Last year, Ethiopian government ministers approved a landmark declaration to strengthen animal health and welfare across the country. We’re now thrilled to announce that this commitment has become law: the Animal Health and Welfare Proclamation No 1376/2025, has officially passed – which marks a groundbreaking step forward for animal welfare in Ethiopia.

The new law will help improve access to veterinary medicines, strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostics, and for the first time – provide legal protection for the health and welfare of Ethiopia’s working animals.

Ethiopia is home to Africa’s largest populations of working animals who are essential to the daily life and livelihoods of communities across the country. Yet, there has been no legal protection in place for their health and welfare – until now. Our colleagues and partners in Ethiopia played a pivotal role in championing this legislation through tireless advocacy and collaboration with national and regional stakeholders. Their commitment to improving the lives of working animals has helped make history.

We will now support the implementation of this vital law – because every working animal deserves to be valued and treated with compassion.