The stray catchers unit of Region Four resumed operations this week after a two-month hiatus, according to Coordinator Seivewright Benjamin.
Benjamin told Stabroek News that the region’s unit had halted operations due to all of its vehicles being sent for maintenance. He said that the vehicles deteriorated over time due to the weight of the animals being transported during operations.
He said that most of the vehicles have returned to the operating grid.
Meanwhile, Benjamin noted that operations in other areas, such as Berbice, West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo, are ongoing, despites numerous challenges.
Among the challenges he identified were the threats to the stray catchers posed by animal owners, who often threaten and attempt to injure them. He pointed to incidents in West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo, where persons were charged and placed before the court for inflicting wounds against members of the unit.
Benjamin noted that stray catchers in Berbice are also hindered by farmers, whom he alleged are influenced by members of the opposition to stymie staff in the course of their work. He said that farmers would retaliate when animals are impounded.
He said the unit plays an important part in road safety and while it continues to work assiduously to keep the roads clear of animals, some owners would allow their cattle to roam at nights. “We stop working at 6 pm and that is when some of these cattle farmers would lose their cattle. They know we don’t work in the night and the pounds are closed at 6, so they take advantage,” he pointed out.
He noted that in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, residents complain bitterly of damage to property as a result of the animals roaming unattended.
Benjamin recommended that land be given to farmers to allow animals to graze freely off of the road.
The stray catching programme was introduced in 2011 under the previous government.
