Oyo Govt shuts 15 veterinary outlets, seizes goods over legal violations
Enforcement team shutting outlets
The Oyo State Government has sealed off 15 veterinary outlets and seized goods valued in millions of naira for contravening the Oyo State Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law of 2017.
The enforcement exercise, carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, followed routine inspections across Ibadan, where it was discovered that the affected facilities were operating without the required registration of their veterinary premises.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olaoye Olakunle, said the government’s action aims to protect animal health, promote food safety, and safeguard public health.
He emphasized that the 2017 law mandates all veterinary premises and practitioners in the state to register with the Ministry annually for effective regulation and oversight. According to him, this is critical to preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and eliminating quack practices in the veterinary profession.
Barrister Olaleye issued a stern warning to unregistered practitioners, stating that violators will face the full consequences of the law. He also noted that the enforcement operation will continue across the state until total compliance is achieved.
He urged all veterinary operators to regularize their operations by ensuring their premises are duly registered with the Ministry.
The enforcement team was accompanied by key stakeholders in the veterinary sector, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. John Famoyin, and the President of the Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners, Dr. Awoyele Adebayo.
