Matobo RDC to auction unbranded stray livestock

MATOBO Rural District Council has warned that it will auction stray livestock that has not been claimed by owners in the last three months because of a lack of branding.

The council says it has 21 beasts, which include three calves, two heifers, one steer and one bull, and officials have raised concerns over the lack of brand marks on some of the animals.

The livestock will be auctioned in terms of the Stock Trespass Act (Chapter 19:14) on March 26.
Cattle branding will become mandatory from June and the Veterinary Services Department will not clear unbranded cattle.

However, livestock owners will still be able to identify their animals, but this must be verified with the police.
Matobo RDC CEO, Mr Elvis Sibanda, said some of the livestock do not have brand marks.

“Some of the stray livestock do not have brand marks which is an issue of concern. Farmers should take heed that in our African culture and the modern economy, cattle have monetary value and are our economy. As a result, they should put brand marks for purposes of identifying the owner of the cattle,” said Mr Sibanda.

“If the cattle are sold and the owner identifies his or her cattle, they still have to prove to the police beyond reasonable doubt and as council, we refund them less the administration fee. We do not like selling stray cattle, but we are simply complying with the law that we have to sell stray cattle as and when they have been kept for three months without anyone claiming them.

“We continue to sensitise villagers through our councillors and traditional leaders that they should encourage their communities to put brand marks on their cattle,” he said.

The Government has constantly emphasised that branding of cattle is mandatory and a critical component in solving cattle ownership disputes, curbing stock theft, controlling cattle movement and reducing the spread of diseases from one area to another.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has further engaged with the police’s National Anti-Stock Theft Unit and agreed that farmers should now first obtain a Veterinary Permit ahead of a Police Clearance in the movement of cattle.

In a statement, Chief Director for Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, reminded farmers that branding of cattle is mandatory.

“People should know that branding of cattle is mandatory for all cattle except pedigree and dairy cattle according to the animal health livestock identification regulations of 2003.