By James Innocent
A joint task force has commenced operations to arrest stray animals within Yei Town Payam and its surrounding areas.
The operation, launched following directives from Yei County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, has already resulted in the impoundment of over 30 stray animals.
Police, Prison, Wildlife, local government and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces personnel are involved in the operation.
Commissioner Seme stated that the initiative aims to enforce existing regulations targeting unrestrained animals, particularly goats, sheep, and cattle, which have been destroying residents’ crops for many years.
The crackdown follows numerous public awareness campaigns, including radio talk shows, announcements, and community gatherings, along with the issuance of local orders. However, according to the Commissioner, residents have failed to comply, necessitating the use of lawful enforcement measures.
“As County Authorities, we have issued several warnings, and it’s now time to implement the orders using available forces,” he stressed.
Towongo Santo, a local government official participating in the operation, reported that over 34 goats were seized around the Civil Hospital and Freedom Square area within the first hour of enforcement yesterday afternoon.
He added that a series of warnings had been issued to stray animal owners to confine their livestock. Despite these Executive Orders, livestock owners continued to ignore the government’s call, leading to the destruction of crops in people’s gardens.
“We will continue to round up all stray animals in town for two weeks to reduce tensions between livestock owners and farmers, especially during this difficult economic period,” Santo said.
According to Lemeri Peter, a security guard at the county headquarters, two Yei town residents were surprised by the arrests of their livestock. Upon visiting the County Headquarters at 6:00 PM, they were instructed to return during official working hours.
Meanwhile, Mary Michael, a resident of Yei, welcomed the move, stating, “We are suffering as farmers because many people who rear animals do not control them, and some are even aggressive.”
She added that stray animals have contributed to food insecurity by destroying farmland, sometimes leading to conflicts between farmers and livestock owners. “All stray animals should be properly tied to allow peaceful coexistence,” she urged.