Farmer warned of dire consequences for neglecting cows
Some of the neglected cows at Kongo-ini Village in Murang'a East. Livestock officers have warned the owner, John Ndung’u, of dire consequences if he continues mistreating the animals. PHOTO|SAMUEL KARANJA.
What you need to know:
- Ms Waitiki warned the farmer that should he fail to feed them he would be locked up.
- Only remains of dry maize stalks were in the trough when the officers visited.
- The animals looked weak and their eyes were sunken, an indication that they were being underfed.
- A defiant Mr Ndung’u said he was taking good care of his animals and claimed that his neighbours were envious of him.
Livestock officers in Murang’a have warned a farmer of dire consequences for neglecting his seven cows and failing to feed them well.
The veterinary officers from Murang’a East led by Ms Priscilla Waitiki Thursday visited the homestead of Mr John Ndung’u at Kongo-ini village near Mukuyu Market and were shocked to find the emaciated cows and a calf.
Ms Waitiki warned the farmer that should he fail to feed them, he would be locked up and the animals taken by the government for safe keeping.
The officers arrived at the home after neighbours alerted them saying the animals were rarely fed.
The cows, six Friesians and an Ayrshire were mooing nosily and looked emaciated.
Only remains of dry maize stalks were in the trough when the officers visited.
A calf which had been delivered recently was seen attempting to suckle all the cows in the hope of getting some milk but to no avail.
STERN ACTION
“There is a law protecting animals and if you continue mistreating these cows, stern action will be taken against you,” Ms Waitiki told the farmer who arrived shortly after the officers came knocking.
The veterinary officer said the animals looked weak and their eyes were sunken, an indication that they were being underfed.
There was also no water trough on sight raising questions whether the cows were getting any water.
The fodder store was also empty.
“It is so evident that these animals are not getting proper care and this is wrong,” said the veterinary officer warning that no one would be allowed to mistreat livestock or any other domestic animal.
A neighbour claimed the animals had eaten very little in the last two days prompting Ms Waitiki to order Mr Ndung’u to feed them within two hours.
DEFIANT
A defiant Mr Ndung’u said he was taking good care of his animals and claimed that his neighbours were envious of him.
He added that a care taker he had employed had quit recently making it difficult for him to give them the required attention.
“I will ensure they are fed and taken care of but those saying I am not feeding them are just out to soil my name,” he said.
He could not explain why the cows were mooing noisily an indication that they were hungry.
He could also not explain what the calf was being fed on.
