ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU) has issued an appeal to anyone with information that can assist the police in the recovery of animals stolen from a farm in Fairfield, Irwin, St James, to contact them at 1-888-429-5662 or the nearest police station.

The animals were reportedly stolen on Sunday, December 20.

Reports from the Granville police are that the farmer visited his farm about 7:00 am, when he noticed several heads of goats missing. Further checks revealed that 35 of those animals where slaughtered on the farm and parts of their bodies and unborn foetus were left on the scene.

Two dogs that were used to provide security were reportedly killed. 

The goats, according to a news release from the police’s Corporate Communications Unit, value approximately J$2 million.

The PLPU reminded people that no pregnant animal should be slaughtered unless inspected by a registered veterinary surgeon or practitioner, certifying in writing, that the animal is fit for human consumption and also the public health inspector within the parish. The release said this constitutes a breach of the Livestock Control Order (1973) and the Public Health Act.

“Therefore, consumers must be mindful of where they get their meat as this can be harmful to their health, as consuming such meat can lead to serious health concerns,” the release said.

The PLPU also reminded farmers to register with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) as it will not only ensure farmers are regularized, but will provide them with access to the National Animal Identification and Traceability System that will assist with tagging animals and ensuring the effective use of DNA to track animals in the future.