Oyo enforces anti-open grazing law, impounds 10 cows

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has impounded 10 cows over alleged illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan.

The authority disclosed this in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), on Tuesday, saying the operation was conducted in collaboration with security operatives.

The enforcement followed a petition by residents, who complained about cattle rearing in the densely populated neighbourhood, as well as indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, noise, air pollution and open grazing.

Following the complaints, the authority said its enforcement team visited the area in the early hours of Tuesday to verify the allegations and found them to be substantiated.

During the operation, the team impounded eight cows at the location, the authority said.

However, while returning from the operation, the team reportedly sighted two additional cows tied down and grazing openly along the route, bringing the total number of impounded cattle to 10.

The authority said the activities contravened the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which was enacted to regulate livestock production and address challenges associated with open grazing.

OYRLEA said the enforcement was not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but was aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from environmental, health and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing. It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the 2019 law and urged residents to continue reporting violations, assuring them that credible complaints would receive prompt attention.