DPL reiterates cattle grazing rules

To resolve the issue of stray cows grazing and defecating at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Marpi, the Department of Public Lands is warning that cattle ranchers’ grazing permits may be taken away should their cows keep breaking out of their fences and straying into the cemetery.

Department of Public Lands Secretary Marianne Concepcion-Teregeyo is encouraging grazers to have their cattle stay within their permitted areas but there’s a possibility that DPL might need to reconsider the sizes of the grazing areas that are given out to ranchers.

“We really want and encourage our grazers to have your cattle stay within your fence and that’s the purpose of the permitted area,” said Concepcion-Teregeyo. “We will not continue renewing your permits if your cattle are continuously found outside.”

A rancher who is awarded a grazing permit is given 60 days to put up a fence along the perimeter of their permitted premises for the purpose of confining their livestock, according to Bonnie T. Royal, DPL Real Estate director.

Additionally, Royal advises cattle ranchers to tag or brand their cows to identify and track these livestock. The marking of cattle and other agricultural livestock for identification should be straightforward and easy to read at a far distance, and also have permanent tags/marking that are easy to apply.

Gregory P. Deleon Guerrero, DPL Compliance Division director, said that a permittee is responsible for the action of his/her livestock and it would be deemed a violation of the agreement if these cows are found unconfined and moving around freely outside the permitted premises.

“We would like to add that if it’s repeated offenses, including damage to private and public land properties, then the permit may also be cancelled,” said Deleon Guerrero. “In the event that your cattle may be ferocious and is a danger to the public, we would ask the Department of Public Safety to take any necessary actions to protect public safety.”

Additionally, Royal added that should the cattle cause any damage and/or injuries, the rancher will be financially liable for any problem. “Our message here [is] we want to continue with providing the lands and [land] for grazers, and you all know these are temporary permits. They’re renewable and they’re not long term at all, but we encourage that you [maintain] your fences,” said Concepcion-Teregeyo.