The Lagos State Government has dismantled an illegal slaughter slab in the Okerube area of Alimosho Local Government, arrested 10 butchers and confiscated two live cows as it commences the enforcement exercise on illegal slaughter slabs.
The exercise was carried out by men of the re-inaugurated Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) Team of the State Ministry of Agriculture in furtherance of the sanitisation of the red meat value chain.
The State's Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who made this known on Thursday, explained that the exercise is coming on the heels of repeated warnings to the operators of these illegal slaughter slabs and the menace caused by their activities.
She said, “This dislodgement exercise is necessary, especially as the State is particular about the production of wholesome and healthy meat for its residents while simultaneously ensuring that the streets are free of stray animals”.
Olusanya noted that the State Government re-inaugurated the MEC Team last week and charged it with the responsibilities of removing illegal abattoirs, controlling and enforcing issues relating to transportation and sale of meat.
“The Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance Team will monitor and effect zero-tolerance to the existence of illegal slaughter slabs Statewide and ensure proper regulation of veterinary activities in conjunction with Lagos State Private Veterinary Premises Registration Authority.
In addition, all aspects of veterinary premises regulations, veterinary standards/compliance monitoring and enforcement would be covered by the Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance team”, Olusanya opined.
She maintained that these illegal abattoirs were constituting a hazard to the businesses of legal operators who are doing everything possible to ensure that only healthy and wholesome meat is produced for the populace.
The Acting Commissioner further stated that the MEC Team would also monitor the standards of operations of all the approved slaughterhouses in order to ensure compliance with professional best practices.
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