Livestock branding pays off

Over 800 000 farmers across the country have been assisted to brand their cattle and acquire certificates since 2011. – Pic taken from texashistory.unt.edu.

The branding exercise which has been going on over the past three years has resulted in a decrease in the number of cattle being stolen as most are now identifiable, an official said on Tuesday.Over 800 000 farmers across the country have been assisted to brand their cattle and acquire certificates since 2011.
National anti-stock theft unit coordinator senior assistant commissioner Bernard Dumbura said cases of stolen cattle decreased by five percent during the first ten months of this year compared to last year.

At least 626 farmers were in October this year arrested for failing to keep proper records of their livestock and other related offenses. He said reported cases went down by 10 percent from 4 216 last year to 3 801during the first 10 months of this year.

Dumbura said 3 557 cattle were recovered in 2012 compared to 3 832 recovered this year.
“As we approach the festive season we encourage farmers to continue cooperating with us and be wary of cattle rustlers,” he said. – New Ziana