Minister of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries Kazim Hosein is warning against illegally importing livestock after police stopped a smuggling operation in Cedros.
In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries (MALF) said officers seized 43 animals after smugglers attempted to bring them into the country through an illegal entry point in Icacos.
It said officers were on a routine patrol in the area when they saw a vessel approaching the beach towing a cart. As they approached the beach, they discovered the vessel had already arrived onshore, with a trailer tractor attempting to pull the cart. Several individuals helping with the operation fled the scene after seeing the approaching officers, leaving the cart behind.
The officers found livestock inside the cart, prompting immediate action and the intervention of the ministry’s technical teams.
Hosein later warned that illegal livestock importation carries serious risks to the safety of citizens, underscoring the urgency of “addressing this critical issue to protect human and animal populations from potential harm”.
The minister also condemned the “deplorable and intolerable” conditions in which the smugglers transported the animals.
“The cruel treatment of these animals is reprehensible and poses a grave threat to both animal welfare and public health,” he said, adding that illegal animal importation violates existing regulations and is a criminal offence punishable by law.
The ministry is investigating the incident under the guidance of its Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and is urging citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal animal imports.