Jalingo Goes Tough on Stray Livestock as Taraba Govt Threatens Arrest, Prosecution of Owners
Taraba News
Livestock owners who allow their animals to wander freely on streets and major roads in Jalingo may soon face arrest and prosecution as the Taraba State Government moves to tackle the growing problem of stray animals within the state capital.
The warning signals a tougher enforcement approach by the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, which says roaming livestock have become not only an environmental concern but also a threat to road safety, sanitation and the free movement of residents.
Chairman of the agency, Iliya Kefas, disclosed the planned enforcement during the monitoring of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo.
According to him, livestock owners have a responsibility to properly secure their animals rather than allow them to move through residential areas, markets and major roads.
“The arrest and prosecution of livestock owners who allow their animals to freely move within the state metropolis will soon commence. We urge owners of those animals to immediately take action by restricting their movement to avoid being penalised,” Kefas warned.
The agency expressed concern that cattle and other livestock roaming freely around the metropolis could obstruct traffic, contribute to accidents and create unhygienic conditions through indiscriminate animal waste.
The development could mark a significant change in the government’s response to the long-standing sight of animals moving freely across some parts of Jalingo.
Kefas said the environmental sanitation exercise should not be viewed merely as a monthly street-cleaning programme, explaining that enforcement of environmental regulations forms an important part of the exercise.
He warned that the agency would take action against practices capable of frustrating efforts to keep the capital clean and orderly.
The chairman also cautioned traders against leaving their surroundings dirty and urged property owners to ensure that drainages around their premises are regularly cleared.
Residents were equally warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
According to Kefas, the government will continue providing equipment for waste evacuation while strengthening public enlightenment and sanitation activities across the 16 local government areas of Taraba State.
He said the monthly sanitation exercise had “come to stay” as part of the government’s efforts to improve environmental conditions.
Kefas linked the exercise to Governor Agbu Kefas’ drive for a cleaner Taraba, stressing that achieving a healthy environment would require cooperation between government and residents.
He therefore called on livestock owners to take the warning seriously and make adequate arrangements to restrict their animals before enforcement begins.
The planned crackdown now puts livestock owners in Jalingo on notice: allowing animals to roam freely within the metropolis could soon move from being treated as a nuisance to becoming an offence attracting arrest and prosecution
