A Move to ban open rearing, herding and grazing of livestock outside permitted ranches in Oyo state have been regurgitated, as the Open rearing and grazing regulation bill, 2019, passed the second reading stage at plenary of the state House of Assembly.

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The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Debo Ogundoyin; his deputy, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi; Majority Leader, Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin and Minority Leader, Honourable Asimiyu Alarape, states that anyone who engages in open rearing or grazing of livestock is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years or a fine of N200,000 or both.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the movement of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the state, with all herdsmen mandated to submit themselves for registration and get an identification card, which must be worn at all times.

Speaking with journalists after the plenary, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi states that Cattle movement will only permissible by rail wagon, truck or pick-up wagon, while any person found moving livestock on foot is liable on conviction to imprisonment for one year or a fine of N50,000 or both.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that the penalty for any herdsman who fails to register is imprisonment for two years or a fine of N100,000 or both, while anyone without identification card is liable on conviction to imprisonment for six months or a fine of N50,000 or both.