Are cows more important to government than the lives of citizens?

Last month the government’s Division of Transport declared its alarm at increasing reports of stray animals on the island`s roads, particularly along major roadways. In a press release the division reminded owners of animals found tied, wandering, straying or lying in such a manner as to cause obstruction, danger, damage or injury to any user of the highway or a public place, that they commit an offence and are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to imprisonment for two years or both. 

Additionally: “Owners are further reminded that where an animal poses an immediate danger to road users, the animal(s) may be seized or where not practicable, shall be shot or immobilized by a duly authorized individual. Please note that all costs incurred during this process shall be borne by the owner of the animal.”

Despite the warning, little has changed. The Choc area continues to be a serious danger zone. On Tuesday Transport Minister Guy Joseph spoke on the government’s intention to tackle the issue. He said plans are afoot to establish a pound to house the stray animals, and that discussions are ongoing between the police and the proposed operators. 

“The contract is being finalized with the persons who will be charged with the responsibility of removing stray animals on the road and keeping them in a secure environment where the owners would have to come and pay the necessary expenses before their animals are returned to them.” 

The MP could not say where the pound will be located: “We are not going to disclose what the final arrangements are because there are at least three options under consideration at this time.”  

On the other hand, Kingston Jean, President of the National Association of Driving Schools (NADS), told the STAR:  “I rather suspect the powers that be either don’t have the will, or the answer to the problem. For years upon years different administrations have been warning or threatening the owners of stray cattle, to no avail. It really has to be a serious effort on the part of government to put the safety of people first .”  

He said he had himself been a victim of stray cows on the roadway. He said: “A cattle owner losing two animals a month just might bring about a behavioural change.” Jean, who is also a driving instructor, expressed particular concern for inexperienced drivers. “A defensive driver must be able to recognize potential hazards in advance,” he stated. “That’s a skill that develops over time. So you’re putting those new, as well as older drivers, at risk. It can cause numerous fatalities.”

As far as Jean is concerned, the time for talking should be over: “I have actually lost confidence in the powers that be to do something about the situation . . . I don’t see anything being done. I have heard talk for the longest while, so right now the only thing that will give me a bit of confidence is if I actually see something being done.”