Bamenda, a city that was once vibrant and bustling, is now grappling with a distinctive issue: an increase in stray animals, specifically neglected sheep. Local residents have been observing groups of animals wandering the streets, feeding on neglected patches of grass and searching through overflowing garbage bins.
Tantoh, a city resident, described the situation: “These sheep have completely taken over Bamenda, turning it into a vast grazing field.” They can be spotted all over the place, going from one trash heap to the next.
The impact has far-reaching consequences. Pa Ngang, a disgruntled resident, recounted his experience: “I had planted young plantains in my backyard, only to have the leaves devoured by sheep.”
Eunice, a food vendor, faces challenges in maintaining her business: “The unpleasant odour emanating from the garbage heaps near my stall is negatively impacting my sales. Now these sheep are here, devouring everything and making the surroundings even more repulsive. It seems the City Council doesn’t care”
In the past, the City Council took a proactive approach to dealing with stray animals. Owners who failed to properly care for their livestock were subject to significant fines upon discovery. Pa Angu, another resident, questioned the current approach: “Do they even enforce those fines anymore? People were motivated to take care of their animals due to the potential penalties. Now, I don’t even know if there are any consequences.”
He stressed the urgency of action: “The City Council can’t claim ignorance. I saw a whole herd of sheep right in front of them at the Commercial Avenue grandstand during a national celebration. We are begging the authorities to take back control and make Bamenda a city again.”
This unique situation emphasises the urgency for the City Council to tackle the escalating issue of stray animals. Enforcing fines or establishing an animal control unit are essential measures to restore order and hygiene in the city.
