The Accra Metropolitan Public Health Department (MPHD) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has embarked on a special exercise in collaboration with the Police to arrest all stray animals found within the Metropolis and the owners prosecuted.

This followed persistent public complaints from residents on the destruction and nuisance caused by stray animals on ceremonial streets, residential areas, the Accra Airport and other areas within the Metropolis.

Dr Simpson Anim Boateng, Director of MPHD in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, said a total of 80 animals were rounded up in a week’s exercise by a special taskforce and the Police to clamp down on stray animals.

He said a lot of cattle owners who were prosecuted were fined GH¢600.00 each and that bench warrants had been issued for the arrest of those who failed to appear in court.

Dr Boateng said some of the animals whose owners would fail to claim ownership would be auctioned and those who would claim ownership would be fined and prosecuted for non-compliance to relocate the animals.

He noted that many people rearing animals in the Metropolis did not comply with the bye-laws on environmental health, which also contribute to the poor sanitary conditions in the capital.

He said the department had embarked on a house-to-house inspection and persons who would be found rearing cattle, pigs and other domestic animals without permit would face prosecution.

Dr Boateng said the animals defecate indiscriminately at public places, adding that his office had put up stringent measures to deal with people who were guilty of such practices to make them more responsive to environmental issues.