By Prince Moore
Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is reminding cattle owners that untagged animals being transported for slaughter must be accompanied by the required documentation, or they could face enforcement action under the law.
Dr Blake made the reminder in his latest column in the Police Force Orders, saying the Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily permitted the movement of untagged cattle, destined for slaughter from July 30 to September 30, 2026.
However, the owner or person in possession of the animal must have a valid RADA Farmer Identification Card and a valid Jamaica Agricultural Society Agricultural Produce Receipt. The receipt must be properly completed and include the farmer’s information, the animal’s origin and destination, as well as details of the vehicle being used to transport it.
Commissioner Blake says the documents will help members of the Agricultural Protection Branch of the Constabulary Force to verify ownership and enforce the law.
The temporary measures are intended to minimise disruptions to the livestock industry while the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) programme continues to be implemented.
But the Police Commissioner says the temporary arrangements do not exempt cattle owners from complying with NAITS or any other legal requirements.
Untagged cattle without the prescribed documentation, or cattle whose ownership cannot be satisfactorily verified, will continue to be subject to enforcement action, he says.