Opposition seeks answers; stray cows being chopped

Amid fresh reports that stray cattle are destroying private property and some are being chopped, the parliamentary opposition will seek answers from minister responsible for agriculture Dr Kedrick Pickering.

According to the Order Paper for the May 11 sitting of the House of Assembly, Opposition member Julian Fraser will try to ascertain if the minister “has a programme in place to deal with the nuisance of cattle roaming the streets – and worst destroying people’s property”.

Fraser will further state that, if there is a programme in place, the agriculture minister should detail how such programme works from the moment a call for help is made until the animal is reunited with its owner – or slaughtered”.

Over the years, it appears Government has been ignoring various complaints from frustrated residents about cattle roaming in communities such as the Greenland and Fahie Hill.

Up to two days ago, a Fahie Hill resident, using the name Breanna Brumant, posted photos of a wounded cattle on the BVI Community Board (Facebook).

She claimed that a number of chopped cows have been roaming in her area.

“This (wounding of the cow) is a bit overbearing and heartless. I am a resident of Fahie Hill and there are numerous cows walking around the vicinity with chops on the back legs, and no one is aware of who is doing it. These animals’ lives matter and this is an act that has to be stopped…,” the resident said.

“I know sometime the cows can be a bit harassing where they will come into your yard and let go of waste, but this is not the way to go about doing anything. I am sick of seeing these animal hurt and nothing being done.”