Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee Thursday today officially launched the stray catching unit at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam.
The 2011 budget had made provisions for the rehabilitation and construction of new pounds that would cater for holding the animals caught. The Minister said after looking at the legislative infrastructure and financial aspects of the project, the next step was to hire personnel for the unit.
Since this is a law enforcement issue, the unit will be working hand- in-hand with the Police to bring stray animals under control.
The unit consists of a 12-man team of drivers and catchers, and four trucks for transportation of the animals to the pounds.
The Pounds Amendment Bill was passed in the National Assembly in April, 2010.
It provides for a fee of $5,000 be paid to a stray catcher or any other person for every animal he/she takes to the pound. These include horses, ponies, cows, sheep, and goats.
Prior to last year’s amendment, the Act was revised in 2007, increasing the fee from a mere $30 to $1,000.
The stray catchers initiative will  go a far way in helping to address the issue as strays are known to pose threats to road users. They also damage public properties, particularly drains, roads, pipes, trenches, school yards, and playgrounds.
In 2009, the Home Affairs Ministry built and rehabilitated 17 pounds across Guyana. (GINA)