Spotted hyenas face persecution as livestock raiders in Kenya, with snaring, poisoning, and shooting causing significant welfare harm to a species that plays a vital ecological role as a scavenger and predator.
Spotted hyena welfare is compromised by persecution methods that cause severe and prolonged suffering. Snares cause traumatic leg injuries from which trapped animals may take days to die or are released with permanently damaged limbs affecting long-term hunting ability. Poison baiting causes agonising death over hours to days. The intelligence of spotted hyenas, who demonstrate individual recognition and social bonding, means that the welfare impact of killing extends to disruption of clan social structure and care for dependent cubs. Non-lethal livestock protection including improved livestock bomas and guardian animals reduces persecution motivation.