WHEREAS, it has become increasingly important to build an internationally reliable veterinary service delivery system that can prevent and control the entry or spread of animal diseases resulting from the export, import, and transit of animals, animal products, by-products, and controlled article; WHEREAS, it is found necessary to establish a system for prevention and control of animal diseases, and ultimately to eradicate them progressively from our country and thereby protect human health and life from risks associated with foods of animal origin and zoonotic diseases; WHEREAS, it is found critically important to establish animal identification, registration, and traceability systems for animals, animal products, and by-products and to access into new markets as the safety and quality of these commodities have become a compulsory requirement;

WHEREAS, beyond their contribution to human beings, animals have feelings and basic needs like humans and hence, it is necessary to improve and alleviate animal welfare challenges that they face in different contexts. NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: