LAGOS TO PROSECUTE OWNERS OF STRAY ANIMALS

October 25, 2015 – The Lagos State Government has once again reiterated its commitment to prosecute owners of domestic animals and pets that stray within the metropolis.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Toyin Suarau said the state government would no longer fold its arms and allow the menace to continue.

Suarau who made the dislosure while meeting with Oko-Oba Animal Market Cattle dealers in Agege noted that it is disheartening that in spite of the government‘s awareness campaign on the danger posed by these stray animals in the society, the menace is still on the rise.

“Apart from causing accidents on our roads, these stray animals could also spread contagious diseases such as anthrax, rabies, tuberculosis and other ailments that could lead to death”, he said.

He revealed that the state government is sending Agric-Marshals to all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state as part of its stray animal control policy to put an end to the on-going menace.

“The State government is concerned and would no longer tolerate the habit of releasing herds of cattle at night along major roads and highways in the metropolis”, he warned.

Suarau urged residents not to panic but move to a safe place when they come across stray animals such as cows, horses, dogs, pigs, rams, goats, monkeys etc.

He also enjoined all residents to cooperate with the authorities to rid the state of stray animals while advising owners of such animals to take adequate care of them to avoid confiscations.

The commissioner advised residents to call any of the following dedicated lines for immediate response if accosted with any of these stray animals; 08077775657, 08057761762, 07033348402 and 08023934920.

“Together we can make Lagos a safe place if we all say no to stray animal on our roads”, he said.