Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo says his administration will begin implementation of the state Anti-Open Grazing Law next month.
Governor Soludo stated this during a meeting with members of Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee, held at the Government House, Awka.
The former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano on October 22, 2021, assented to the Cattle and Other Livestock Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill.
The bill, entitled ‘Anambra State Open Grazing of Cattle and other Livestock Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill 2021’, was passed after third reading at plenary by the members of the House of Assembly on Tuesday, 12th October, 2021.
According to the Governor, though the law has been in existence since almost one year, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in the state in contravention of the law.
While applauding members of the Committee for their dedication to duty, the Governor said that Anambra promotes social harmony with everyone, including cattle rearers but the make clear that they must as other business owners in the state operate within the existing laws.
He explained that because his administration has launched initiatives to encourage tree planting, there is not enough land to accommodate open grazing.
Governor Soludo pointed out that the initiative was geared towards salvaging the Anambra environment from erosion which is fast depleting the scarce land, urging them to consider gradual implementation of ranching as a modern way of cattle rearing because of its numerous advantages and money-making potential.
