CLARENDON, Jamaica – The Clarendon Police are seeking to assure farmers that they will be intensifying efforts to reduce praedial larceny following a spike in the theft of goats in the parish in recent times.

Additionally, the police are urging members of the public to be careful when purchasing meat because in most instances the meat of stolen animals is stored in unsanitary conditions.

According to the police, a number of the animals stolen are either pregnant or being treated for various illnesses and are not fit for public consumption.

Meats should only be purchased from registered meat distribution outlets where the facilities are regularly inspected and certified, the police cautioned.

At the same time, farmers are being urged to take the necessary measures to secure their livestock, such as building fences and removing animals from roadsides, where they are easily targeted. They are also encouraged to keep proper records.

Farmers are being reminded to register with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) as it will not only ensure regularization but will provide them with access to the National Animal Identification and Traceability System that will assist with tagging animals and ensures the effective use of DNA to track animals.