Police warn against purchasing beef following theft and slaughter of cows in Clarendon

The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s agricultural protection branch is warning members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing beef following the illegal slaughter of eight cows in Clarendon between yesterday and today.

Reports from the Area 3 APB team are that at about 1:30 this morning, a farmer discovered that eight of his cows had been stolen.

The animals were later discovered slaughtered near the P. J. Patterson highway in the vicinity of St. Jago Road and Duke Street.

The perpetrators have not been apprehended and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The APB is warning the public against purchasing beef from unknown or unverified sources within the area, as the illegally slaughtered animals did not undergo the mandatory veterinary inspection required to determine their suitability for human consumption.

Meat from such animals may pose a serious public health risk and should be considered unsafe.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to purchase beef only from licensed and reputable vendors.

Butchers, meat vendors, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets and consumers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sale of beef or other meat products, particularly those being offered at unusually low prices.