The Revenue Authority in Warrap State has issued an order aimed at curbing illegal cattle trading by implementing a ban on the sale of cows, goats, and sheep without a pass permit.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Ngor Dhuol Mangong, Warrap State Commissioner General for the Revenue Authority, emphasized the significance of this measure.
He stated, “We issued the order on Tuesday this week and distributed the pass permit forms to all counties, Payams, Bomas, and checkpoints, and the order will take effect on Saturday this week. All cows, goats, and sheep coming into or leaving Warrap State must be checked for whether there is a pass permit or not.”
He explained that the ban was put in place to address concerns over dishonest cattle traders who have been evading taxes by engaging in unauthorized sales. He pointed out that some traders were selling their livestock along the roadside or attempting to deceive authorities by pretending to transport the animals elsewhere.
This practice not only deprived the state government of much-needed tax revenue but also contributed to an increase in cattle theft, he added.
Commissioner General Dhuol urged the people of Warrap State to bring all their livestock to public auctions to avoid falling victim to dishonest cattle sale brokers.
Local authorities and community members have shown support for the new regulation.
Tor Makol, a cattle trader from Ajak Kuach Payam of Twic County, said: “We knew what the cattle traders were doing. If this order is implemented, it can be very helpful. Getting a pass permit from the local chief or designated officer before selling any livestock will reduce the rampant cattle theft that is affecting the state.”
Acknowledging the challenges faced by cattle traders, Atak Diing, highlighted the importance of strictly adhering to the pass permit requirement. He stated, “The cattle thieves are so many in Warrap State. So the pass permit from chiefs is an important order. No cow should be sold without a pass permit. There must also be a witness when cows are sold to avoid people being cheated. The local police and government officials can enforce this order in order to solve the problems associated with the cattle trade.”