Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy [Source: Fijian Parliament]

Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy says stray animals have become a serious threat to motorists and are also causing damage to various crops.

Dr. Reddy says they follow a strict procedure when taking animals to the Pound.

“The animal is captured, taken to the pound, then immediately when the animals get to the pound, we inform the nearest police station and put a notice to the police station that we got this number of animals, with the description. If there’s an owner who wants to claim the animals, they need to get their branding certification to the Ministry and we will then release the animal.”

Dr. Reddy adds that if the animals are not claimed in 10 days, they then auction the animals as per the Brand Act.

He says they will be constructing 15 new Pounds, two of which are currently underway.

The Minister adds that all together, they hope to construct five more in the new financial year pending budget approval.