| – ‘C’ Division police willing to work with stakeholdersFor years, motorists and property owners have been imploring the authorities to intervene in a meaningful way to rid the roads of animals,Cheap Jerseys, especially strays. But there appears to be some reluctance on the part of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to effectively address the issue.Over the years, animals’ presence on the roads has resulted in the loss of lives and damage to property, especially motor vehicles, and prosecution in most cases is difficult because some of the animals are unbranded.While the problem exists throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, the authorities on the East Coast of Demerara have indicated a desire to arrest the problem soon.Divisional Commander Balram Persaud has made it clear that while the issue of animals on the roads is not the direct responsibility of the police, he is more than willing to work with all the stakeholders to deal with the problem.Dealing with animals on the roads is the direct responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).Animals on the road at nights were responsible for this accident.Speaking at one of the Police Outreach Programmes on the East Coast of Demerara, the Commander said that he is fully aware of the problems caused to the travelling public by these animals, especially cows and horses,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, which are left to roam unattended even at nights.He urged that the relevant agency take the matter seriously and re-implement the stray catching system.He pointed out that the recruitment of stray catchers could see a number of persons earning lucrative remuneration, since the fines for impounded strays have increased.But according to Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Region Four,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Clement Corlette,Wholesale Jerseys 2018, despite the increase in fines,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, there appears to be a reluctance of the NDCs to take decisive action.Corlette pointed out that because of the nature of the work of a stray catcher and the potential conflicts that can arise, the NDCs have been unable to attract persons from their communities to carry out the work.“Those NDCs that have been successful have had to bring persons from other areas to do the work for a short period of time,” the regional chairman explained.There have been reports of cattle owners confronting stray catchers and preventing them from carrying out their duties.But there should be no fear in executing the functions of a stray catcher, since according to the Divisional Commander, obstructing them is a serious breach of the law.“It is a serious offence and anyone who interferes with the work of a stray catcher or prevents him from doing his work will end up in jail. It is that serious,” Commander Persaud warned.The issue of proper pounds, where stray animals are temporarily housed, is another matter that needs to be addressed if the move to rid the roads of animals is to be effective.For security reasons, most of the pounds are located at police stations.“People used to go and steal back their animals when they are impounded, so for security reasons, the pounds are housed at the police station,” the Region Four Chairman told this newspaper.He disclosed that during a recent meeting with Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall, it was indicated that there is a dire need to upgrade the various pounds.“I agree that cattle not only affect motorists but also infrastructure. Pipelines are damaged also by these roaming animals,Cheap NFL Jerseys Supply,” Corlette pointed out.According to the Regional Chairman,Cheap NHL Jerseys, NDCs were advised that they have the power to enact legislation limiting the amount of cattle an individual can have in a particular area.“I’ve known many persons who lost their lives as a result of accidents with stray animals and this is something that needs urgent attention,” Commander Persaud said.In most cases, cattle owners escape prosecution as a result of their unbranded animals. However they can be charged for failing to brand their cattle. |
