– Faerber underscores need for more Stray Catchers to come on board
OFFICIALS of the Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) administration have been working to get more Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) on board to address the issues surrounding stray animals on the roadways.
This was disclosed by Regional Chairman Mr. Julius Faerber at a press conference last Friday in the studios of the National Communications Network (NCN). Faerber was accompanied by Regional Information Officer Mr. Jaidev Dudhnath.
In an effort to rid the roadways of stray animals and to make it a safer zone for traffic and citizens, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently launched the ‘Stray Catching Unit.’
The 2011 budget had made provisions for the rehabilitation and construction of new pounds that would cater for holding the animals caught.
Faerber reported Friday that, nationally, the Home Affairs Ministry has a team of stray catchers who move to various areas across the country. However, in order to deal with the issue regionally, he said the administration has been asking the NDCs that are already on board to employ rangers to help with the job.
With regards to those NDCs that are not yet on board, Faerber said the administration will be seeking assistance from the Home Affairs Ministry to have this matter addressed.
The Stray Catching Unit is expected to be working hand- in-hand with the Police to bring stray animals under control. It 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 to 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.
The stray catchers initiative is expected to 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.
Following the launch, the ministry said it was appealing to the owners to ensure that their animals are kept off the roadways.
Since the implementation of the Pounds Amendment Bill, enacted in April, 2010, several animals were caught and brought to the various pounds across the country.