Probe livestock slaughter – ZRP

THE killing of 71 animals by the veterinary department in Southern Province must be thoroughly investigated as this could be a calculated move to make Government be at loggerheads with the people in the area, ZRP leader Wright Musoma has demanded.

There was wailing and crying from Choma district’s Macha area residents when the Ministry of Livestock on Saturday paraded and killed 71 animals, comprising 32 cattle, 28 sheep, and 11 goats, all belonging to one farmer identified as Keme Syantumbe.

This was after Mr. Syantumbe attempted to move his animals from Pemba to Mumbwa via Man’gunza on foot from among the areas affected by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and when he was discovered, all his animals were slain by the uncompromising veterinary officers.

But speaking to the Daily nation yesterday, Mr. Musoma described the action from the veterinary department in the area as barbaric adding that the innocent farmer was only paying for their own incompetence after the disease was transported to the province from Chisamba due to their recklessness.

He said it was shocking that while the veterinary officers had an option to seize and quarantine the animals, the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) opted for the tougher punishment for the farmer whose livelihood depended on the animals.

“The farmer who lost the animals must be compensated because it was the carelessness of the ministry which led to the outbreak of the disease.”

“It does not matter from which angle you look at it, it is simply barbaric.

That DVO who sanctioned the killing of those animals is heartless and must be investigated.

“How do you expect a famer who has not produced any crop to survive after killing his 71 animals? Does this make any sense?” Mr. Musoma said.

He said the Ministry of Livestock was to blame for the current FMD situation and must desist from making emotional decisions to cover up for their incompetence.

“If it was not for the carelessness of the ministry which issued a stock movement permit for animals from Chisamba to Monze before the area was certified disease-free, the disease could not have been ravaging cattle population in Southern and Central Provinces.”

Mr Musoma said that ministry was operating like it had no permanent secretary and this is sad,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Choma Magistrate Court yesterday ordered for the auction of the carcasses of the animals after an application to the court by the Choma veterinary office.