Taraba Threatens Tougher Sanctions Against Owners Of Stray Animals

The chairman of the agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas, said the government would no longer tolerate the destruction of roadside flowers and other public facilities by stray animals, particularly in Jalingo, the state capital.

Kefas, who spoke on Saturday after the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo, disclosed that the agency had commenced fumigation of flowers planted along major roads and public spaces to prevent goats and other animals from feeding on them.

He said the exercise was approved by the state government under the Green Taraba initiative, which aims to improve the appearance of towns and promote a cleaner environment across the state.

According to him, the agency had repeatedly appealed to livestock owners to ranch their animals and prevent them from roaming around residential areas and major roads, but the practice had continued.

He warned that the chemical being applied to the flowers was toxic and could harm or kill animals that consumed them, urging livestock owners to take responsibility for keeping their animals under proper control.

“We urge livestock owners to ranch and properly restrict their animals. The chemical we are applying is toxic and harmful if consumed by animals,” he said.

The chairman recalled that the agency had previously warned that owners of stray animals would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that the ongoing fumigation was another measure to protect the state’s investment in environmental beautification.

He further disclosed that the agency was planning stricter enforcement measures during subsequent sanitation exercises, warning that violators should expect tougher action.

Kefas commended members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for collaborating with the agency during the sanitation exercise, describing their participation as a contribution to the government’s efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

Two corps members, Victor Adejo, Corps Liaison Officer for Jalingo Local Government Area, and Juggling Anthony, President of Gender and Charity Vanguard, urged residents to support the exercise and cooperate with environmental officials to sustain cleanliness across the state.