The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals has raised some concerns about the Ministry of Agriculture's campaign to remove roadside stray animals from Namatakula village along the Queens Highway up to Lautoka City.
The campaign started two weeks ago and it involves the Ministry of Agriculture, Police, Land Transport Authority and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, any animals found outside fenced boundaries and do not have any proper identification may be considered stray.
It says captured animals will be taken to the nearest functioning animal pound and will only be released if the owners are able to identify their animals and pay the required fees.
Animals that are not claimed within 10 days will be auctioned off by the Ministry of Agriculture.
SPCA President Deepak Rathod says their only concern would be the dissemination of information to the rural population, who this will affect.
He says people should be made aware of the specifics of the locations of the nearest functioning animal pound.
However, Rathod says stray animals do pose a risk to the travelling public and therefore owners need to exercise care with their animals.
The Ministry of Agriculture also says animals captured and taken to the pound may also be tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis.
If tested positive for any diseases, the Ministry will take appropriate action, including culling of the animals if necessary.
A similar campaign will also be conducted in the Northern Division next month.
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