KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) is warning the public to exercise caution when purchasing beef following the illegal slaughter of eight cows in Clarendon between Friday and Saturday.

Reports from the Area 3 APB Team are that about 1:30 am Saturday, a farmer discovered that eight of his cows had been stolen. The animals were later discovered slaughtered near the PJ Patterson Highway in the vicinity of St Jago Road and Duke Street in Clarendon.

The perpetrators have not been apprehended, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The APB is warning the public against purchasing beef from unknown or unverified sources within the area, as the illegally slaughtered animals did not undergo the mandatory veterinary inspection required to determine their suitability for human consumption.

Meat from such animals may pose a serious public health risk and should be considered unsafe.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to purchase beef only from licensed and reputable vendors. Butchers, meat vendors, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, and consumers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sale of beef or other meat products, particularly those being offered at unusually low prices.

Reports can be made to the APB tipline at 658-219-2063, the police emergency number 119, or Crime Stop