Rambharat wants info on goat deaths

Minister Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat yesterday confirmed the death of three pregnant South African Boer goats over the weekend and has asked for a full report on the matter.

On Wednesday, Rambharat was alerted to the goat deaths by Newsday and he promised to investigate. Yesterday, the Minister said he was informed that no autopsies were carried out on the three dead goats.

Newsday reported yesterday that the deaths were as a result of a lack of feed to which Minister Rambharat said he was told the goats were fed grass and there was not an issue with unavailability of feed. He said that after reviewing a report which he expects shortly, he will take the necessary steps to ensure remaining livestock at the Centeno Livestock Station are fed on time and given all necessary medication and check ups.

He revealed that there 80 cows, 180 goats, 320 rams and 130 rabbits at the Livestock Station. Workers at the station yesterday claimed someone was not being truthful with Minister Rambharat as they maintained there is a problem with the unavailability of feed for animals. Workers pointed to the fact that no autopsies were done and the carcasses disposed of quickly as being highly suspicious.

They are calling on Minister Rambharat to visit the Station to see first-hand operations at the facility.

Yesterday, Dreams Cardovan, Director of the Centeno Livestock Station, contacted by Newsday to ascertain why no autopsies were done on the three pregnant goats said, “Miss lady I have to talk to my PS (permanent secretary) on this matter first before I divulge any information and I cannot give you any information right now.”

On Wednesday when Cardovan was contacted on the deaths of three pregnant goats, he expressed surprise at the information and said he was not aware of any animal dying.