Georgetown : The Home Affairs Ministry’s Stray Catching Unit reported that for the period January 3 to December 31, 2013 the Unit caught and impounded 4, 434 animals; three asses, 2089 cows, 1, 167 goats, 430 horses and 745 sheep.
Operations were conducted in Demerara and Berbice in accordance with the objective of the programme of enhancing traffic safety on the roads by catching and impounding strays wandering on the public roads; thereby reducing the risk of accidents resulting in deaths, damages to vehicles, and injuries.
The Georgetown Unit accounted for the three asses, 660 cows, 673 goats, five horses and 429 sheep. The Berbice Unit on the other hand, caught 425 horses, 1,429 cows, 494 goats and 316 sheep.
A total of 174 animals were impounded at pounds in A’ Division, 2,664 in B’ Division, 769 in C’ Division, 758 in D’ Division and 69 in G’ Division.
Additionally, Stray Catchers benefited from weekly training sessions in the areas of: the Laws of Guyana relating to the Pounds Act Chapter 71:04; the Cattle Stealing Prevention Act Chapter 9:03; the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02 and the Roads Act Chapter 5:01.
They also received training in police and public relations; guidelines for catching stray animals and self defence.
With regards to reported deaths of impounded animals and in some instances, escape of animals, the Home Affairs Ministry is calling on the police to ensure the safety, health and well being of animals that are taken to the pounds.
Moreover, the recommendations to have a pound erected at the East La Penitence Police Station compound, and that all police pounds be compartmentalised to facilitate the accommodation of both small and large animals, are being considered by the Ministry.
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