THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has reportedly disposed of six sheep whose meat would have been unfit for human consumption and which themselves would have posed a threat to other animals while they lived.The Agriculture Ministry has said this decision was in keeping with the GLDA’s mandate to promote greater efficiency in the livestock industry and provide enhanced services in livestock husbandry and health.

When the animals were discovered, the Ministry of Agriculture said, a team from the GLDA quickly took charge of them until their disposal was appropriate. They were held in a quarantined area at the Leonora Police Station to avoid exposure to, and contamination of, other animals.

GLDA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigel Cumberbatch, said persons are being cautioned against illegal and unregulated livestock practices, as these not only threaten the health of other animals, but also of humans who consume the meat.

The condemned animals were given a combination of sedatives and general anaesthesia, after which their remains were burnt at the GLDA veterinary service laboratory incinerator to ensure proper disposal.