Forest Minister Assures of Capturing the unknown predator

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, November 28, 2018 (DIPR): Forest and Environment Minister Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar today gave assurance to the people of the State that there is no need to panic with regard to the mysterious killings of domestic livestock by unknown predator. Reports of domestic animals found slaughtered in a similar manner at various locations over the month have created panic like situation among the general public.

Addressing the media persons at his office, Minister Th. Shyamkumar said that the killings of domestic livestock were reported from the districts of Churachandpur, Imphal East and Kakching. Forest Department is taking the matter seriously and along with the officials of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department and Wildlife experts hold a meeting over the incident this morning, he said.

Informing that experts have already taken footprints of the suspected predator, he said that the footprints are being studied with animal experts. Preliminary report suggests the predator may be a canine animal, though the final report will be tabled soon. Stating that previously there has been no report of such incidents, he said as a preventive measure the Forest Department has formed a team to catch the predator at the earliest.

The team will keep domestic livestock such as duck, goats, pig, chicken primarily targeted by the predator at the foothills of various secure locations. He also said the team is well equipped to catch the predator with the help of cameras installed at various strategic locations.

The incident of severely mutilated animal body parts found at different localities of Churachandpur District was first reported last month. Panic like situation was reported following the incident in the district. Recently similar incidents were also reported from Imphal East and Kakching. (DIPR)