Cattle farmer concerned animals being stolen despite ear tags

 

A Manchester cattle farmer is raising concern that thieves are finding ways around the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) by slaughtering animals at the theft site. 

 

Jeff Lawman told Radio Jamaica News that four of his cows are butchered early Saturday morning and the meat stolen. He said five other animals are chopped by the thieves, but managed to escape. 

 

Mr. Lawman noted that his cattle all carry ear tags, which are designed to track animals if stolen, and serve as proof of ownership along with their passports. 

 

"They removed the tag from the ear to travel with the meat, that when the police officer saw them with it now, they can try to tell the police officer that these cows belong to them and them slaughter it and they have the tag, but they do not have the passport for this animal because I have it. And that is the reason why I would advise for everyone in Jamaica who has a cow or a cow calf - it doesn't matter - just get RADA to come and tag these cows, please," he urged. 

 

He believes the thefts are being carried out by people skilled in slaughtering animals and he is cautioning supermarket operators to be vigilant against purchasing stolen meat.

 

"They removed the belly and the head and all of that, and put it on the side of the road. I would advise these local supermarket in the parish of Manchester and the other rest of 13 parishes, not to buy no meat from butchers because it is not a regular man that deal with these cow. It is butcher, and it is well done professionally," he pointed out. 

 

He is calling for greater assistance from the authorities as he said the practice is becoming more widespread. 

 

The JCF established the Agricultural Protection Branch in June to strengthen efforts to fight praedial larceny.

 

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Oral Pascoe, who heads the Agricultural Protection Branch, said the police are aware that animals are being butchered at the theft site and have stepped up enforcement, including vehicle spot checks, in response. 

 

He explained that cattle thieves can be charged with several offences and people found travelling with carcasses will be required to prove ownership by presenting animal tags, passports and official agricultural produce receipts. 

 

"If you slaughter the animal without a butcher's licence, it is against the Public Health Act, Butchers Regulation - so that is an offence. And, of course, if the meat is for public consumption...there is an inspection regulation under the same Public Health Act for the meat to be stamped and certified fit for human consumption. We are on the road and we are policing the road. So if we see the carcass and persons stop a vehicle on reasonable suspicion...and it contains the carcass, if it's not stamped, we know instantly that's an offence under the Meat Inspection Regulations," he warned. 

 

In the meantime, the head of the Agricultural Protection Branch said the police are keeping a close watch in Area 3, which covers Manchester, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. 

 

He said these parishes account for the majority of reports of praedial larceny.