Members of the Shepherds and Cattle Farmers Organisation also known as the Gambia Anti-Cattle Rustlers Association have began an intensive campaign the Central River Region, designed among other things to sensitiseon livestock protection, as well as create awareness on cattle rustling in the region. The group met the governor of the region, Ganyie Touray and briefed him on the objectives of the tour.

Addressing the meeting, the public relations officer of the Organisation, Ebrima O. Jallow, said their objective is to sensitise livestock producers and other stakeholders (dealers and butchers) on the ever increasing livestock theft in the country, and help their associations to establish anti-cattle structures to combat the ugly menace.

He advised them to use the newly introduced alkaloulou attestation booklets with regards to livestock security so as to ease their movement within the country. This, he said, will help the security personnel to trace out rustlers easily. He posited that all livestock owners’ associations will also be linked to the Anti-Cattle Rustling Association for proper coordination of activities and tracking of stolen or lost animals.

The vice president of the Shepherds and Cattle Farmers Organisation, Sutura Jatta, for his part, said their objective is to eradicate all immoral acts against livestock development, especially rustling, and to inform all stakeholders on emergencies like pest and disease outbreaks. He pointed out that their mission is to provide maximum security for livestock development in the country, thus calling on owners and association members to work together to eradicate cattle rustling in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, the assistant record officer at the Governor’s Office, Wassabo Darboe, commended the organisation for its efforts in the fight against cattle rustling in the country. He spoke at length on the importance of establishing vigilant groups, which he said will go a long way in complementing the efforts of the security personnel in protecting properties. He assured them that their doors are always open for support.

Alhagie Cham, who represented the commissioner of police in the region,said the establishment of vigilant groups will go a long way in easing the work of the security personnel. He pointed out that using the Alkaloulou attestation will help the security forces to trace out rustlers since they (rustlers) do not have movement permits.