Basseterre, Saint Kitts (Ministry of Agriculture):
The Ministry of Agriculture is reminding all farmers and livestock owners that allowing animals to roam freely is strictly prohibited by law.
All livestock owners are legally required to keep their animals securely fenced or tethered on approved property to prevent them from straying onto public roads or private lands.
Why This Matters
Roaming animals — including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses — pose serious safety risks on public roads and have been responsible for:
Traffic accidents and injuries
Damage to crops, fruit trees, and water systems
Destruction of private property
What You Must Do
To comply with the law and protect public safety, all livestock owners must:
Regularly inspect and maintain fences and tethering equipment.
Ensure fences are sturdy, tall enough to prevent jumping, and low enough to prevent crawling under.
Keep gates securely closed at all times.
Immediately retrieve any animals that escape or are found roaming.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action under the Public Pound Act (CAP. 9.22):
Roaming animals may be impounded by the Veterinary Services Division, in collaboration with the Police and Defence Force.
In certain cases, animals may be lawfully destroyed by authorized personnel.
Impounded animals will be released only after payment of all applicable fees.
Animals held for more than three (3) days without payment will be forfeited and disposed of according to the law.
Persons affected by trespassing animals may also seek legal action for damages.
Act Now
Farmers are strongly urged to take immediate corrective action to avoid penalties or loss of livestock.
All livestock owners are granted a one-month grace period to bring their animals under control. After this period, stray animals will be captured and dealt with in accordance with the law.
For clarification or assistance, please contact the Department of Agriculture at (869) 467-1841 or email moa@gov.kn