Osun State House of Assembly on Wednesday, August 12, 2021, passed a bill to regulate animal grazing and establishment of cattle ranches and other related matters.
A statement by the spokesman for the Speaker, Kunle Alabi, said the House also passed into law the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill 2021.
“The Speaker, Timothy Owoeye, at plenary noted that the bill passed into law will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.”
He said that as from the commencement of the bill, no person or group of persons shall rear, herd, or graze any livestock in any part of the state, except within permitted ranches.
According to him, “any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than three years without an option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the state government.
“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.
“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.
“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not the injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.
“Conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the state is prohibited, except such movement is by rail wagon or truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7am to 6pm,” the Speaker said.
