Livestock theft fuels call for cattle farmers to brand animals

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday urged cattle farmers on the East Coast of Demerara to brand their animals to help curb cattle rustling, a persistent problem affecting the livestock sector.

Mustapha met with farmers from Enmore to discuss challenges facing the industry, particularly livestock theft, following earlier discussions between the farmers and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was also alerted to the issue.

The minister acknowledged that cattle rustling has long affected farmers and said the Ministry of Agriculture is working with the Guyana Police Force to strengthen enforcement and improve coordination on the ground.

He said the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will establish a temporary holding area for farmers, while police will introduce additional security measures to improve monitoring and enforcement in the area. Branding livestock, he said, would assist police in identifying stolen or illegally slaughtered animals.

Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cattle farmers and protecting the livestock industry, stressing the need for continued cooperation among farmers, the ministry and law enforcement agencies.

He was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean.