The members of the Cattle Farmers Association (CFA) have decried in strong terms the recent rise of cattle theft and unscrupulous killing of cattle through poisonous and other means in the country.

The act, which was thought to be arrested has been rearing its ugly head in the cattle farming community, thus prompting the cattle farmers to not only condemn the situation but call for stakeholders to address the alarming state of affairs.

In aninterview with the Daily Observer at his residence in Brikama, the spokesperson of the association, Ebrima Jallow expressed concern over the mence and condemned the unscrupulous people that he said are bent on killing cattle by means of placing poisonous materials on their farms or gardens. He lamented that if the act continues, it will cause a serious economic loss for the country, while stressing that the protection and preservation of livestock is not just an individual business but that of everyone.

Jallow disclosed that the reports that they have gathered through their investigations indicate that many cattle went missing as a result of theft since the beginning of this month (April), noting that they have been able to recover only few out of the lot.

He recollected a scenario that happened recently in Penyem Village in the Kombo Central District where two cattle belonging to one Buba Jallow were stolen. “When the matter was reported to our Association, the police and the surrounding villages, a vigorous search was mounted by all the parties and eventually some people from Manduwarr village were able to recover the stolen cattle,” he informed.

Given that experience, Jallow stressed the importance of joint efforts in tackling the situation, something he noted can only pay dividend. He explained: “In the North Bank Region, one Nyabelly Bah of Sare Biram Khardo Village and one Alhagie Demba of Sare Ello Village both suffered a cattle theft but that during their joint efforts to search for the missing cattle, they were able to recover them. With the help of the Senegalese authorities, they were able to apprehend the suspect and the matter is under investigation.

“In another odd scenario, which happened recently in Sanyangin the Kombo South District, two cattle were found dead in a garden of one Alieu Keita, a Malian, who was suspected of killing the animal by placing poison in his garden. The matter was reported to Sanyang Police Station and the suspect is with the police helping them in their investigation,” Jallow added.

The vice chairman of CFA, Sutura Jawo, who was at the forefront of the investigation of the cause of the death of the two cattle in Sanyang , told this reporter that his Association will never relent in its efforts to protect and preserve livestock in this country. They however commended the police force for their unflinching support towards their Association’s fight against all forms of malpractices; protection and preservation of livestock in the country.