The Rwanda National Police in the Southern Province has called on abattoir operators and the general public to strengthen measures aimed at preventing livestock theft, with particular emphasis on verifying animal ownership documents before slaughter.
The call was made during an awareness campaign that brought together different stakeholders and workers from abattoirs in Ruhango District to reinforce cooperation in combating livestock theft, which can sometimes be facilitated through slaughterhouses.
Speaking during the campaign, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, the spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police in the Southern Province said that stolen animals are sometimes taken to abattoirs for slaughter, emphasizing that operators in the sector have a critical role to play in preventing such practices.
“Abattoirs are among the places through which stolen livestock can be passed into the market. We urge operators to thoroughly verify ownership documents and work closely with security agencies to ensure that livestock theft is eliminated,” he said.
SSP B. Kagenza, the Commander of Police in Ruhango District urged abattoir operators not to slaughter any animal that lacks legally required documentation, warning that failure to comply with the regulations could attract legal penalties for those involved.
“Verifying documents before slaughter is one of the most effective measures to prevent meat from stolen animals from reaching the market,” he said.
On behalf of Ruhango District, Alphonsine Mukangenzi, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, noted that abattoirs can unknowingly receive stolen livestock if proper inspections are not conducted, and urged operators in the sector to remain vigilant and comply with the law.
“The district administration, in collaboration with other institutions, continues to strengthen efforts aimed at combating this type of crime,” she said.
The manager of the Ruhango District abattoir, Mbaga Daniel, acknowledged that in the past some individuals attempted to bring animals without the required documents or with incomplete paperwork, but said the awareness campaign had helped operators better understand their responsibilities.
“We are now committed to strengthening inspections and promptly reporting any activities that violate the law whenever they are identified,” he said.
The Rwanda National Police further encouraged members of the public to provide timely information and maintain close cooperation with security agencies in order to prevent and combat crime, particularly livestock theft.
