Consumers are reminded to only buy local meat from known livestock farmers. During the holiday season, in particular, many animals are stolen, slaughtered and sold to unsuspecting consumers. As a health precaution, the department urges consumers to be aware of this practice and to only solicit known meat purveyors, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the V.I. Department of Agriculture.
According to Dr. Bethany Bradford, director of Veterinary Services, livestock farmers look forward to the holidays as an opportunity to provide a fresh wholesome product for their customers. “It’s important to consume meat that is sanitary and that has been properly inspected and stamped by the Department of Agriculture abattoir,” she said.
Bradford also noted, “As part of keeping livestock healthy, some animals may be medicated and cannot be slaughtered for a certain period of time. The farmer knows when it is safe to slaughter the animal.”
Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Louis E. Petersen Jr. said, “Theft of animals results in a loss of income to the farmers, loss of breeding stock and in some cases the end of the family business. Animals are assets to businesses, and theft of animals is a crime.”
For more information, or to report stolen meat or livestock, contact VIDOA on St. Croix at 778-0998, on St. Thomas at 774-5182 and on St. John at 776-6274.
