AMITY, Westmoreland — At least five head of cattle found grazing on Pan Caribbean Sugar Company (Frome) property in this parish were impounded on Thursday as the police responded to complains of livestock destroying cane fields, leading to significant financial losses.

The early-morning operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Orville Bushay, head of the Agricultural Protection Branch for the police Area One. The animals were sent to a pound in St Elizabeth.

“So far we have taken up at least five, and we will be moving to other areas to pick up more,” DSP Bushay told the Jamaica Observer.

He shared that the operation was the result of high-level discussions with Pan Caribbean’s CEO and its farm manager, who reached out to the police for assistance.

In January 2025, thevObserver had reported that stray animals, which have long wreaked havoc on Westmoreland’s roads, were eating into cane farmers’ profits.

The revelation was made at the time by the company’s Chief Executive Officer Zudui Zhang during a meeting and tour of the factory by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green.

On Thursday, the policeman praised the day’s activity.

“It’s a success so far. And we learned that persons — other persons who might have been having stray animals — saw what is happening so far and have even caught their animals since morning. So, we’re actually encouraging others to do so as well,” stated Bushay.

He also issued a stern warning to cattle farmers to secure their livestock properly, as the police will continue to pick up and impound stray animals.

At the same time, Bushay said that the police are also investigating reports of individuals setting cane fields on fire.

“Whoever our investigation leads us to, they will be prosecuted and taken to the court to answer to these charges,” he said.

Noting that agricultural theft and property damage have a profound impact on the local economy, Bushay said that the sector loses in excess of $14 billion annually to theft.

He said that despite these challenges, the tide is turning, as, since the branch’s reorganisation last June, confidence is being restored among farmers. He shared an example of a Trelawny farmer who recently decided to reinvest in cattle rearing after previously leaving the industry due to theft.

The senior cop also assured farmers that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is committed to serving them.

“Well, for the farmers, I just want to say that we will be relentless in our effort to support them. Whether it is stray animals eating their field or whether it is persons stealing, we will be leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the confidence of the farmer is restored and that the farmers can feel comfortable again rearing their animals and selling them [and] persons who plant their crop can reap the crop to sell to make their money,” stated DSP Bushay.

“We just want to say that we, as the police, are willing to cooperate with those who want to cooperate, but for those who decide to steal or to create problems, we’ll be leaving no stone unturned also to ensure that you are brought to justice,” added Bushay, who urged farmers in need of assistance to contact the Agricultural Protection Branch which operates in several police divisions across the country.