THE Anambra State House of Assembly on March 8, resolved to refer the bill on cattle ranching to House Committee on Agriculture for their input before final passage into law.

The House had debated the law establishing of the cattle ranches in the state.

Charles Ezeani, who sponsored the Bill, said that if passed into law, it would put to an end “open grazing in Anambra State’’.

“The Bill seeks to regulate cattle rearing in Anambra with a view to arresting incessant massacre of innocent citizens by herdsmen.

“It will put to rest, open grazing by confining cattle and dog rearing to designated places as any cattle found operating in unapproved places shall be impounded.

“Also these herdsmen must show themselves by registering their ranches as well as pay taxes, in order to generate revenue to the state and ensure food security and retain our agricultural landmark,’’ Ezeani said.

Victor Okoye, the majority leader, added: “the Bill, if passed into law, will give security agencies the legal backing to confiscate any animals found grazing outside designated areas’’.

Lawrence Ezeudu, the chief whip, member representing Dunukofia Constituency noted that the Bill would stop herdsmen from encroaching on farmlands.

Obinna Emenaka, representing Anambra East, noted that it would also help to keep the environment clean.

At the end of the robust debate, the Speaker Rita Maduagwu called for voice votes and thereafter, the Bill was referred to the House committee on agriculture.

– Mar. 12, 2018 @ 10:46 GMT |