The petition, from the Wuli East Animal Protection Association, was filed in 2020 after series of complaints about animal theft in the Wuli region. The association, formally known as the Wuli East Cattle Herders Association, was formed to serve as a community-led monitoring and policing group to curb animal theft.
The issue spiced up debate among lawmakers and prompted the Majority Leader to call for the removal of the entire police department in Wuli East and redeploy others for proper police intervention.
The report reveals numerous animal theft cases since 2020 to date.
Hon. Lamin Ceesay, Member for Kiang West, believed the police had failed on their duty to protect and save the lives of people and properties.
“This matter has not been addressed from 2020 to date, and there are possibilities that the thieves have absconded because once they know that the matter is under investigation anything can happen,” he perceived the matter.
“We all know how important livestock is to everyone; they are used for sustenance, livelihood and agriculture among others mostly for people in the Rural Gambia. Therefore, they are as important as any other thing and they need to be protected,” he stressed.
He urged for the entire police development in the region to be put to task for proper investigation and justice.
Hon. Alfusainey Ceesay, the legislator for Sami Constituency, said the complaint to the National Assembly proves the frustration of the community, which needs to be addressed.
He added that the report should not have been heard in the absence of the minister of Interior and the IGP, for their institutions are responsible for providing justice in the matter.
Hon. Almamy Gibba of Foni Kansala Constituency said that since the police are complaining of lack of mobility, communication, among others, the IGP should be held responsible.
