The Department of Agriculture is finalizing measures to address the long-standing issue of stray animals along main roads around the island.

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph, held a meeting with livestock farmers to discuss the management and prevention of stray animals. He announced the plans of the Government of Saint Lucia to fully enforce the Animals Act through the Department of Agriculture, to allow for animals roaming the roads to be impounded.

“We are going to impound animals if our farmers do not adhere to the management of their animals in a manner that will not create problems for the trafficking public,” the minister said.

Impounded animals will be kept at a secure location and upon payment of a fine, the livestock will be released.

Minister Joseph urges the public to keep livestock secure.

“We are going to allow sometime to secure your cattle properly, and thereafter we shall implement penalties as the law pertains.”

The impounding of stray livestock by the Department of Agriculture will take effect from Dec. 14.