Nigeria has traditionally lagged behind many countries in its treatment of dogs. The country remains one of the few where dogs are sometimes sold for their meat, and many pet owners keep dogs primarily for security purposes rather than as companions.
According to Matthew Nash, lead researcher of the Dog-Friendly Country Index, Nigeria ranks 45th out of 51 countries in terms of dog-friendliness. The index considers factors such as animal rights, pet-friendly accommodations, veterinary services, animal protection, rabies risk, and the recognition of animal sentience.
However, there’s hope for change, thanks to animal rights activist Jackie Idimogu. As the organizer of the Lagos Dog Festival, Idimogu is working to shift public perception of dogs in Nigeria in a positive direction.
For the past four years, the Lagos Dog Festival has been a fun and creative way to challenge stereotypes about how Africans treat dogs. The event, which features a lively carnival atmosphere, brings dog lovers and their pets together for a celebration. The festival’s highlight is the “Dog of the Year” competition, where dogs, dressed in their best outfits, walk the red carpet in front of judges.
The competition encourages dogs and their owners to show off their style while also appreciating the care given to these animals. “Since the dogs cannot express themselves vocally by saying thank you, we created Lagos Dog Carnival to honor the humans who care for these dogs and to give awards to the dogs,” said Idimogu in an interview with Africa News.
This year’s competition featured various breeds, including Siberian huskies, French bulldogs, and golden retrievers. The winner was Pasha, a 6-year-old Caucasian shepherd mix, who impressed judges with his red-and-black outfit and black sunglasses, perfectly fitting this year’s “Splashes of Colors” theme. Pasha's owner, Hadiza Seidu, explained her choice of red, calling it vibrant and majestic, just like her dog.
For Seidu, the festival is a tradition she’s been part of since 2019. “We’ve been coming to the carnival since 2019, and it feels really good. It’s an opportunity to meet other dog lovers and for Pasha to socialize,” she shared.
Idimogu is pleased with the progress the festival has made in changing Nigerian attitudes toward dogs. “I am happy to say that Nigerians are beginning to understand the love language of these animals,” she remarked, proud of how the event is shifting the cultural perception of dogs in Nigeria.