Livestock owners have until November 8 to secure stray and wandering animals before the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security begins enforcement action.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department described the deadline as a final reminder, warning that irresponsible livestock management would not be tolerated.
Enforcement activities to impound stray and wandering cattle are scheduled to begin on November 9.
Under the Animals Act, livestock owners are responsible for securing and maintaining proper control of their animals at all times. Animals found roaming public roads or highways, or trespassing on private property, may be seized and impounded by authorised officers.
Owners may also face impoundment costs, fines, prosecution and imprisonment, where applicable. The Act further provides for the disposal of impounded animals under specified circumstances and in accordance with prescribed legal procedures.
Stray livestock, particularly cattle, have been a persistent problem in Saint Lucia, posing hazards on roadways, threatening the safety of motorists and other road users. Horses, goats, donkeys, sheep and other animals can also cause injuries, damage private property and agricultural lands, and put communities at risk.
The Department noted that the Ministry has conducted public education campaigns, consultations and animal-tagging exercises, and made repeated appeals to livestock owners, but the problem persists.
In February, the Ministry relocated stray cattle, particularly in the Choc area, amid concerns about road safety. Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir subsequently said the Ministry was adopting a zero-tolerance approach to stray animals.
“We had to step in because accidents were happening and we did not want any loss of life,” Jawahir said at the time.
Although relocating the animals and providing secure accommodation were not the Ministry’s responsibility, Jawahir said the cattle had been moved to “a temporary location until the farmers were able to get their spot”.
The Department is urging livestock owners to use the compliance period to:
- Properly fence and secure their animals.
- Ensure livestock are adequately supervised and controlled at all times.
- Remove animals immediately from public roads, road verges and other unsafe locations.
- Use appropriate grazing areas responsibly.
- Cooperate with animal-tagging and identification requirements.
Livestock owners who require assistance or guidance are advised to contact the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division at 468-5621 or 518-2067.
