Yes, people in Senegal do have animals, though often for practical and utilitarian purposes rather than solely for companionship in the Western sense of "pets." Families frequently keep various animals that serve specific functions within their households and communities.
Why Animals Are Kept in Senegalese Households
The primary reasons for keeping animals in Senegal often revolve around their usefulness and contribution to the family's needs. These practical roles include:
- Guard dogs: Used for security and to protect property. While kept by families, their main role is often protective.
- Cats: Primarily kept to manage rodent populations, acting as natural pest control.
- Sheep: Commonly raised for significant religious celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr (Korité) and Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), where they are sacrificed.
- Other livestock: Animals like goats, chickens, or cattle might be kept for their products (milk, eggs, meat) or as assets.
Cultural Considerations Regarding Dogs
It's important to note cultural nuances regarding animal ownership. Many Muslim families in Senegal, due to religious interpretations, generally do not keep dogs inside their homes. While dogs may be present on the property as guard animals, their presence is often external rather than integrated into the living space.
Common Animals and Their Primary Roles
Here's a summary of some animals found in Senegalese households and their typical purposes:
| Animal | Common Purpose(s) |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Security, guarding property |
| Cats | Rodent control, pest management |
| Sheep | Religious sacrifice (Eid al-Fitr/Adha), livestock |
| Goats | Meat, milk, livestock |
| Chickens | Eggs, meat, small-scale farming |
This approach highlights that while the concept of a "pet" purely for affection might be less common, animals are very much a part of Senegalese family life, fulfilling essential roles.
