Kogi state government has warned that owners of stray horses around Lokoja metropolis shall be charged to court for necessary punishments.
In a public notice signed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Timothy Ojomah, Kogi state government it will begin to arrest stray any stray horse seen in the town.
Ojomah expressed dismay to see horses let loose all over Lokoja township in contravention of the Kogi State Animal disease control law of 2024.
“By section 23, sub section 1 (a & b) makes it an offence to leave horses without caring for their welfare by their owners.
“Under this law, the first offenders are liable to a fine of at least Fifty thousand Naira only (#50,000.00) or three months imprisonment or both. The subsequent offenders are liable to a fine of at least One hundred and fifty thousand Naira only (#150,000.00) or six months imprisonment or both,” he said.
The Commissioner advised owners of horses to maintain their animals by providing stables for them without allowing them to stray about in the town.
He explained that leaving horses to stray around the town may cause accidents which is against the public safety and it is against protection of animal welfare.
