Police will soon punish owners of stray animals

THE owners of stray animals found alongside national roads could soon face persecution, the police has warned.

Deputy commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi said in a media statement that a campaign to inform livestock owners of their responsibilities in this regard will commence on Monday.

The campaign, which runs until 24 February in all 14 regions, will be held to ensure that animal owners comply with applicable road regulations and contain their animals.

“Police intelligence gathered has shown that animals such as cattle frequently graze along the B1 and B2 main roads resulting in accidents, thus necessitating police intervention,” Kanguatjivi said.

It is against this background that the inspector general of the police Sebastian Ndeitunga directed all regional commanders to launch an operation aimed at identifying the owners of these animals.

During the campaign, the police will engage farmers and owners of animals and inform them about the provisions of the Act and the regulations thereunder so that they refrain from allowing their livestock to graze or stray alongside the national roads, countrywide.

Traffic law enforcement officers will conduct highway patrols and will also engage livestock owners or cattle herders alongside the road.

“As custodians of law and order we urge animal owners to ensure that their animals are secure and under control at all times to help reduce the number of accidents on national roads,” Kanguatjivi said.

The provision of issuance of fines will be applicable, particularly where there is no compliance after the campaign, the statement noted.