Lagos State Government is set to commence intensive monitoring and dislodgement of illegal abattoirs, from Tuesday, 1st September 2020
The monitoring and inspection of all veterinary premises across the State, is in furtherance of the sanitization and reform of the red meat value chain, TheConscience reports.
The State Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made this known over the weekend at the re-inauguration of the Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) Team of the Ministry.
She noted that the exercise would also involve the monitoring of meat transportation and enforcement of stray animal control to assure public health and safety in the commercial capital of the nation.
She added that the dislodgement of illegal abattoirs is necessary, especially as the State remains particular about producing wholesome and healthy meat for its residents while simultaneously ensuring that the streets are free of stray animals.
Olusanya recalled that though the dislodgement of illegal slaughterhouses had been on-going, the need to strictly enforce meat transportation using only the designated vehicles as well as stray animals control, which had lately become more rampant, cannot be overemphasized.
The Acting Commissioner noted that the team would monitor and effect zero-tolerance for illegal slaughter slabs and ensure proper regulation of veterinary activities Statewide in conjunction with Lagos State Private Veterinary Premises Registration Authority.
She added that stray animals destroy various ornamental plants, shrubs and trees of aesthetic value, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and environmental degradation as well as the prevalence of the outbreak of zoonotic diseases that pose major threats to human health.
Olusanya also disclosed that all stakeholders had been well informed and carried along to allow for the smooth operation of the MEC unit on illegal abattoirs.
