Farmer in court over meat feud with Agri Dept
The offence allegedly took place on May 30, 2013 at Paraquita Bay.
According to the allegations, Hodge, who is a farmer, allegedly destroyed a telephone belonging to the Department of Agriculture.
On the day in question, the defendant allegedly became irate when he noticed spots on his animals that had been slaughtered at the abattoir.
While at the Department’s office, Hodge allegedly ripped the landline away from the wall. A complaint was subsequently made and Hodge was arrested and taken to the Police station.
Allegations further noted that Hodge admitted to the offence and stated that he would replace the telephone. It was revealed during his appearance that the telephone has since been replaced.
Hodge told the Magistrate that it was a long process and said he and the Agriculture Department had been at odds for some time.
In explaining the incident, Hodge said he had noticed over time that each time he took his animals to the abattoir, he would notice spots on them. He subsequently discovered this to be as a result of mosquito bites and became upset about this as this devalued the price he would usually sell the meat for.
“I would normally take clean animals to the facility and every time mosquitoes keep biting them,” Hodge told the court. Hodge said his efforts in speaking to authorities did not produce any results. He added that the Department needs a holding pen and blamed the situation on management.
Magistrate Dr Velon L. John encouraged Hodge to bring persons to court in future instead of taking matters into his own hands.
The charge was subsequently dismissed.
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