BBN - PARAKOU CITY HALL: No More Stray Animals in the City

The mayor of Parakou, Zul-Kifly Zakarie, has put an end to the free-for-all. In a press release issued on June 19, 2026, the municipal authority announced a formal ban on animals roaming freely on public roads. From now on, any violation will be severely punished: a 10,000 CFA franc fine for stray sheep and goats, and 50,000 CFA francs for an ox.

The municipality justifies this firm stance by citing the numerous problems observed daily:

“Oxen, sheep, goats, and pigs left to roam freely cause too many problems. They cause traffic accidents, destroy public spaces, and damage gardens and fields. Their presence in the streets also pollutes the city and greatly complicates sanitation operations.”

To comply with this new regulation, every owner is now required to keep their livestock in a closed enclosure or ensure their constant supervision. Any animal found wandering in the street will be systematically taken to the municipal pound by city officials.

The retrieval of seized animals is now contingent upon the payment of a fixed fine:

10,000 CFA francs per head for small ruminants (sheep, goats, pigs, etc.).

50,000 CFA francs per head for cattle.

The city hall specifies that payment of this fine does not preclude further legal action. Depending on the severity of the damage caused, the owner may also face administrative or legal penalties.

Through this decisive measure, the municipal team intends to make Parakou safer, cleaner, and better organized. The objective is clear: fewer accidents, less property damage, and greater civic responsibility.

Livestock farmers are therefore strongly urged to take the necessary steps to secure their animals. Zero tolerance is now the rule.

✍️ By Christian AKPAKPA (Intern)