The Animal Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture has seized two pregnant animals that were about to be slaughtered at the Georgetown Municipal Abattoir yesterday morning, a release from the ministry said.

The matter has since been reported to the Guyana Police Force by the Veterinary Department of the Agriculture Ministry.  The police have launched an investigation and have questioned the owners of the cattle.

According to the Slaughter of Cattle (Control) Act Chapter 71:09, No person shall, without the permission in writing of a veterinary officer slaughter or caused to be slaughter -

(a) Any cattle with less than one permanent incisor tooth; or

(b) Any cattle of the female sex

Consequently, the matter has been referred to the DPP for further action.

The two animals were placed in holding facilities to be transferred to an appropriate pound where they will be fed and attended by the National Dairy Development Programme.  The animals will be used as material evidence upon recommendation by the DPP, the release stated.

Further, the Agriculture Ministry has written to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) about such practices and urged the municipality to take action to prevent recurrences.

Meanwhile, the Ministry issued a reminder to all cattle farmers, abattoirs and butchers that it is an offence to slaughter “any cattle with less than one permanent incisor tooth; or any cattle of the female sex without the permission in writing of a veterinary officer.”