Ministry Gives Livestock Owners Until November 8 to Secure Stray and Wandering Animals Before

October 29, 2026

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security is issuing a final reminder to all livestock owners that the irresponsible management of animals will not be tolerated. Livestock owners are being given 10 days, until November 8, 2026, to comply with their legal obligations, after which the Ministry will commence enforcement activities to impound stray and wandering cattle in accordance with the Animals Act, beginning November 9, 2026.

Stray cattle, horses, goats, donkeys, sheep and other livestock continue to pose a serious danger to motorists, pedestrians, private property, agricultural lands and communities across Saint Lucia. These incidents have contributed to road accidents, destruction of crops and property, and unnecessary risks to human life.

The Ministry has undertaken years of public sensitization, consultations, animal tagging exercises and repeated appeals to livestock owners. Despite these efforts, the problem persists, posing an ongoing threat to public safety and the security of property.
The 10-day compliance period provides livestock owners with a final opportunity to take corrective action before enforcement begins. Owners who require assistance or guidance during this period are encouraged to contact the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division for support. Tel # 468-5621 or 518 2067.

Ministry Gives Livestock Owners Until November 8 to Secure Stray and Wandering Animals Before Under the Animals Act, livestock owners are legally responsible for securing and maintaining proper control of their animals at all times. Animals found roaming public roads, highways or trespassing on private property, may be seized and impounded by authorized officers. Owners may also face impoundment costs, fines, prosecution and imprisonment where applicable. The Act further provides for the disposal of impounded animals under specified circumstances and in accordance with prescribed legal procedures.

The Department particularly warns against allowing animals to graze along highways, road verges, public spaces and unfenced properties. Animals tethered in unsafe locations, including near roadways and pedestrian access routes, may also be subject to enforcement action where they pose a danger to the public.

All livestock owners are urged to use the compliance period to:

Properly fence and secure their animals.
Ensure adequate supervision and control of livestock at all times.
Remove animals immediately from public roads, road verges and other unsafe locations.
Utilize appropriate grazing areas responsibly.
Cooperate with animal tagging and identification requirements.

The Ministry recognizes its mandate to strengthen food security, support sustainable livestock production and protect the livelihoods of farmers. However, these objectives must be pursued alongside the protection of human life, property and public safety. Public safety remains a priority, and enforcement action will proceed after the compliance deadline.
The Department thanks the public for its continued cooperation as it works to address this longstanding issue and safeguard communities, agricultural lands and the safe use of Saint Lucia’s road network.
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