6600 Cattle On Death Row as Feedlots Challenge FMD Measures
19 Aug 2026
Two major feedlot operators say the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions have technically left about 6,600 cattle on death row, as they cannot help with their upkeep.
Lawyers for JS Beef Pty Ltd and PrimeFast Pty Ltd, appearing today before Justice Onkemetse Tshosa, said the two feedlot operators account for 30 per cent of BMC beef exports to the European Union.
Advocate Wills said the restrictions have left 6,600 cattle stranded in feedlots. The animals were due for slaughter by April but have instead been kept for more than 200 days.
That delay, he said, has cost the companies over P27 million in overfeeding alone.
Without intervention, he said they only have to starve them to death as they can no longer afford feeding them l.
"We cannot wait, right now we have 6,600 animals on death row," he said.
He clarified that the applicants are not asking the court to suspend the disease control restrictions.
Instead, they want an order that allows them to manage the consequences, specifically, to slaughter and export the affected cattle.
For the government, Mr João Salbany opposed the application, arguing that it amounts to a challenge of executive policy.
"This is a decision the court cannot enforce," Salbany said.
He said applicants have come to court because of the economic pressure on their businesses, and wanted legally binding decisions be set aside for their interest.
While the Botswana Meat Commission lawyer, Mr Charles Batsalelwang, opposed the application, he said BMC cannot give preferential treatment to two companies when there are dozens of other cattle producers affected nationwide.
"The Commission simply does not have the capacity to prioritise a few feedlots over the rest of the industry," he said.
The applicants have cited the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Director of Veterinary Services, Attorney General, BMC and others as respondents. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bonang Masolotate
Location : Gaborone
Event : Court
Date : 19 Aug 2026
Related News
19 Aug 2026
18 Aug 2026
FMD case before court
17 Aug 2026
Murder Accused Granted Bail
17 Aug 2026
Selaolo disowns psychologist report
03 Aug 2026