Ugandan police have announced that transporting and slaughtering animals in cruel manner would face severe charges after a new animal prevention law taking effect, local media reported on Tuesday.

The new law, which is about to be passed by the parliament, would lead to a fine of 2 million Ugandan shillings (1,100 U.S. dollars) or three years' imprisonment or in some cases even both.

"Being cruel to animals including birds is an offence which now amounts to a fine of 1,000 shillings (56 U.S. cents) but after a new law is revised, it will be 2 million shillings," said Steven Kesiima, the regional traffic officer Kampala Extra.

Kesiima was quoted by the Daily Monitor while he was addressing a press briefing at Central Police Station in Kampala on Monday. The officer revealed that the law would be called "Animal Prevention Crime Act" and "Animal Disease Act".

"Most traders transport animals especially cattle in a cruel manner when their heads are tied on the lorry upside down. Others transport diseased animals which is dangerous to human life," he complained.

Kesiima said they had formed an arrangement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries to fight the transportation of animals in a dangerous manner and without licenses.

"We have stationed roadblocks, police patrols and checkup points to arrest people transporting animals without licenses from veterinary officers," he added.

Kesiima explained that "we want to improve the quality of our meat to compete on the world market and protect people's life from eating infected meat."

Source: Xinhua