-want abattoir in area
Livestock farmers in West Berbice have complained bitterly about losing their stocks to rustlers and have called for the establishment of an abattoir so animals can be properly examined before slaughtering.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee met with the farmers at the Bush Lot Secondary School on Saturday to address the issues and said that cattle rustling would not be tolerated.
He issued a stern warning to persons involved in such acts and asked them to desist because “those who don’t hear would feel.”
He reminded them too that the law stipulates that a butcher has to wait 24 hours after being given a notice from the police to slaughter animals.
Police then have to examine the animal to verify that the brand stated on the notice corresponds with the brand on the animal. The public health inspector also has to conduct examinations.
In cases where abattoirs are available, the skins of the animals also have to remain there for 48 hours for further inspection, the minister said.
Veterinary officer with the Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Dane Hartley assured the farmers that an abattoir would be built in the West Berbice area, which is said to be the largest cattle rearing industry.
Dr. Hartley told them too that if they put “value” to their animals and take better care of them the loss would be less.
Senior Superintendent/ Deputy Commander, ‘B’ Division; Christopher Griffith pointed out that his division is doing all it can to eliminate rustling and said the perpetrators would be prosecuted.
He noted though that some persons would want to accept compensation unknowing to the police and that they could be charged with perverting the course of justice.
The farmers commended Deputy Superintendent/ Officer-in-Charge of the West Berbice district; Stephen Mansell for his swift action in dealing with reports of stolen animals.
The minister also heard stories of butchers slaughtering more than one animal at “bottom-house” slaughter-houses after getting permission for one.
The farmers said too that some butchers who are involved in the skullduggery would “cut out the part of the skin with the brand and brand it again.”
One man complained that he was involved in an accident with a horse while riding his motorcycle. He said he had fractured three ribs and damaged his motorcycle but because the horse did not have a brand no one was charged.
Some of the farmers stressed that the unavailability of land for their animals was one of the reasons for them roaming.
Stray catchers
But Minister Rohee charged that some owners do not brand their animals because they want to avoid prosecution, pointing out that such a practice can “come back to haunt them.”
He said government has improved the pounds act and that he would be meeting with truck owners on the Corentyne to pick up strays including horses, cows, goats and sheep.
According to the minister, concerns were raised about owners attacking the stray-catchers and he warned that they will have “police protection.”
The stray-catchers have already been identified and they would be fitted with uniforms to undertake their job.
He said that because of the risk involved in the job the fee for catching the animals had been increased from $1,000 to $5,000 per head.
The animals would be taken to the pounds at the stations and the owners would be required to pay $10,000 each to have the animal released. There would also be an auction where persons can bid for the animals.
The minister pointed out that the road was not built for animals to roam; “that they would have to come off because it is a traffic hazard.”
