Taraba Bans Animal Rearing in Jalingo, Fixes ₦50,000 Fine

 

The Taraba State Government has banned the rearing of cows and other domestic animals within residential communities and designated urban areas of Jalingo, the state capital, as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation and create a cleaner and greener city.

 

The government also warned that violators of the regulation risk a ₦50,000 fine.

 

Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Mr Iliya Kefas, disclosed this during the state’s environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo.

 

He said the prohibition was backed by existing environmental laws enacted by the Taraba State House of Assembly and assented to by the executive.

 

According to him, the incessant loitering of domestic animals across the city has continued to undermine the government’s efforts to achieve a cleaner, greener and more orderly environment for residents.

 

He urged livestock owners to take responsibility for controlling the movement of their animals to avoid contravening the law and facing sanctions.

 

Mr Kefas specifically warned residents against keeping cows and other animals within residential communities, advising livestock owners to provide appropriate accommodation for their animals outside designated urban areas.

 

“This is in our law. It was approved by the House of Assembly and accepted by the Executive Council. Rearing cows inside the community is wrong and prohibited,” he said.

 

He said the enforcement of the regulation formed part of the government’s broader vision of transforming Taraba into a cleaner and greener state.

 

“We want a new Taraba, a new phase of Taraba, a greener Taraba. From now to four years, we want Taraba to be changed. But how can we move forward when people are rearing animals inside the town?” he asked.

 

The TSESA chairman further disclosed that the agency’s environmental laws provide sanctions for violations, including a ₦50,000 penalty for those who contravene the prohibition on animal rearing within designated urban areas.

 

He, however, clarified that only personnel authorised by the agency would carry out operations to arrest violators.

 

According to him, the personnel involved in enforcement operations will be properly identified by their uniforms and will operate in the company of security personnel.

 

He urged residents to cooperate with environmental enforcement officials and comply with the regulation, stressing that adherence to the law would contribute to a cleaner, safer and better Taraba.