Belmopan City Council Reminds Residents: No Livestock Within City Limits

Growing complaints from Belmopan residents about livestock being kept or allowed to graze within city limits have prompted the City Council to issue a public notice reminding that such practices are strictly prohibited.

It said that under the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86, “No person shall drive or lead cattle or cause or permit cattle to be driven or led through any public street, parks or playground within Belmopan without written permission.” Violators can face fines of up to two hundred dollars or imprisonment for up to one month.

Belize City’s law, under Chapter 85, is less strict but still limits livestock movement. Belize City’s most reported cases, however, have to do with horses. For years, residents have grown louder in their calls for tougher enforcement on animal cruelty and neglect, especially when it comes to horses. Reports of malnourished animals abandoned in drains, tied for hours under the sun without food or water, and even brutalised while recording it have raised serious concerns.

Horses are not banned in Belize City; instead, they are regulated. Owners must obtain a $5 annual licence from the Belize City Council for each horse kept or used within city limits. The licence must be renewed yearly and is specific to that horse.

Livestock, including horses, can only be moved through public streets between midnight and 5 a.m. and must be kept under full control to prevent danger or disruption. Riding or driving a horse recklessly, obstructing traffic, or leaving an animal unattended in public spaces is an offence punishable by fines ranging from $25 to $50.

Riding or driving a horse recklessly or negligently on public streets is prohibited. Horse riders and carriage drivers must keep to the left, signal before turning, and avoid obstructing traffic.

Despite the laws on paper, it is not enough and enforcement remains the city’s biggest challenge, according to animal rescuers.