Maguindanao Mayor Bans Stray Animals Along Highways

A town mayor in Maguindanao has ordered the local police to seize stray farm animals that pose as threats to motorists.

Mayor Ohto Montawal of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao--formerly known as the town of Pagagawan--issued the order on Friday, August 23, after complaints reached his office about stray carabaos, cows, and goats along portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway that frequently cause highway mishaps among motorists.

Seized animals will be cared for by the municipal veterinary office and will be turned over to owners only after they pay the corresponding penalties.

"If an accident occurred due to stray animals, the owners will be penalized accordingly. Owners will have to settle with the mishap victims for remuneration and medication, when necessary," the mayor said in a statement.

Also banned is the practice of farmers drying their produce, such as palay and corn grains, beside the national highway, virtually making it the longest drier in town. "The road is not a solar drier," Montawal said.

The national highway traverses a 20-km. portion of Datu Montawal town.