Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring urgent attention to the ongoing and worsening problem of stray, unbranded cows roaming freely in our area. These animals have become a serious danger to residents, particularly children, and are causing widespread damage to property, infrastructure, and vehicles. Despite the destruction they cause, no individual is willing to claim ownership once damage is done, leaving residents to suffer the consequences.
The presence of these cows has created fear throughout the community. Residents, especially the elderly and schoolchildren, are constantly frightened as the animals move aggressively along roads and through yards. Several children have already been hit and injured on their way to and from school, forcing parents to personally escort them for safety.
The cows have also caused extensive damage to private and public property. They destroy fences, crops, gardens, and household items, and frequently break residents’ water mains by stepping on exposed pipelines. As a result, water flows unnoticed for long periods, leading to inflated water bills for residents and increased repair costs for Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Additionally, motorists regularly suffer damage to vehicle side mirrors on narrow roads when cows suddenly move into traffic.
Another major concern is the unsanitary condition of the village. The cows continuously dirty the roads with dung and urine, creating foul odors, attracting flies, and posing a potential health risk to residents.
What makes this situation especially troubling is that although these cows roam freely and cause destruction, their owner or owners refuse to accept responsibility once property is damaged or people are harmed. The animals are unbranded, and when complaints are made, no one comes forward to compensate residents or control the livestock. This lack of accountability has allowed the problem to persist unchecked.
I therefore call on the relevant authorities, including the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), law enforcement, and other responsible agencies, to take immediate action. Measures must be implemented to identify, impound, or remove these animals and to enforce existing laws governing livestock ownership. Residents should not be left helpless while unidentified owners evade responsibility.
Our village deserves safe roads, clean surroundings, and protection for our children and property. I trust that this letter will prompt urgent attention and decisive action before a more serious incident occurs.