Igembe South Constituency Livestock Officer Mr. John Ireri has advised both farmers and traders to use a decent mode of transporting livestock from their farms to the market.
Ireri said the size and design of the transport vehicles should be compatible with the number of animals being transported.
He told KNA that majority of farmers and traders are ferrying their livestock including the calves by motorcycles, exposing the animals to cold and strong heat.
“We have noticed that there are some individuals tying calves, goats and sheep on a motorcycle exposing them to serious bodily harm and bruising as they struggle to free themselves. It is also a safety risk for transporters,” he maintained.
He urged both farmers and traders to use appropriate vehicles with enough space to accommodate the number of livestock intended to be ferried thus reducing stress and allowing them to adapt to transport.
Ireri warned against transporting calves in a car boot sealed containers or anything that restricts air flow, maintaining that animals have their rights and deserve to be treated with dignity just like human beings.
Failure to adhere to these rights he added, will automatically attract a penalty through judicial means. ”Whoever is convicted of violating animal rights will definitely serve a sentence or pay a fine worthy of the abuse,” he cautioned.
By Kamanja Maeria
