Clarendon Police issue warning to praedial larcenists, report spike in goat theft

The Clarendon Police are assuring farmers that they will be intensifying their efforts to cauterise praedial larceny following a spike in the larceny of goats across the parish in recent times.    

Additionally, members of the public are being urged to be careful when purchasing meat because in most instances the meats of those stolen animals are stored in unsanitary conditions.

A number of the animals stolen are either pregnant or being treated for various illnesses and is not fit for public consumption.

Meats should only be purchased from registered meat distribution outlets where the facilities are regularly inspected and certified.

Warning against buying stolen meat

The police are also reminding persons that no pregnant animal must be slaughtered unless it is inspected by a registered veterinary surgeon/practitioner certifying in writing that the animal is fit for human consumption and also the Public Health Inspector within the parish.

This, the police say, constitutes a breach of the Livestock Control Order (1973) and the Public Health Act.

Therefore consumers must be mindful of where they get their meat, as its consumption can lead to serious health concerns, the police advised.

What farmers should do

Additionally, farmers are being urged to take the necessary measures to secure their livestock, such as building fences and removing animals from roadsides, where they are easily targeted.

They are also encouraged to keep proper records of their livestock.

Farmers are also being reminded to register with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and the Jamaica Agricultural Society as it will not only ensure farmers are regularised but will provide them with access to the National Animal Identification and Traceability System that will assist with tagging animals and ensures the effective use of DNA to track animals in the future.

Commanding Officer for the Clarendon Division Senior Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron-Powell is encouraging farmers to remain vigilant and encourages them to join the Farm Watch Programme in their community and work with the police to remedy the situation.

She is reminding farmers not to turn to vigilante justice but instead, immediately alert the police to any unusual occurrences or suspicious persons within their communities.

Report criminals 

Anyone with information that can assist the Police in the recovery of stolen animals or any related offences to contact the May Pen Police at 876-986-2208, Crime Stop at 311 and Police Emergency at 119 or the nearest police station.

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