Farmers across Zimbabwe have been urged to prioritize meticulous paperwork when transporting, selling, or slaughtering livestock to avoid falling victim to stock thieves.
Speaking recently Beit Rinashe of the Cold Storage Company (CSC), emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that all necessary documentation for livestock clearance is in order.
“It’s essential that farmers ensure all compliance measures are met, from stock clearance certificates to veterinary permits, to eliminate any opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the system,” Rinashe stated.
In Zimbabwe, livestock clearance is tightly regulated under several key legislative frameworks, including the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01], which mandates veterinary inspections and controls animal movement to mitigate disease spread.
The Stock Theft Act [Chapter 9:18] enforces stringent requirements for documentation to deter illegal livestock trade, while the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (LMAC) Act governs the standards for livestock marketing and slaughter. Additionally, the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02] regulates cross-border livestock trade, ensuring that all imports and exports adhere to national standards.
