ACCUSED bull thief, Gabian Rawlins appeared recently before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus on a charge of larceny of cattle, and denied that he had stolen the animal, valued $300,000, while it was tied to a tree at Number Nineteen Village, East Coast Berbice.
He was ordered to post $75,000 bail or surety.
The dark-brown-and-cream bull with a white diamond to its forehead had been given to Rajendranauth Kedarnauth by his Rakhi brother, Boodram, as a demonstration of his love according to Hindu practices three years ago. However, Kedarnauth did not brand the animal because of his religious belief, neither did he allow it to graze by itself, but would instead have it tied under a tree until he returned from work every day.
On May 29 last, he returned from work and discovered that someone had cut the rope which had tied the bull, and the animal was nowhere to be seen. The animal was not located despite several checks that Kedarnauth had made. However, on November 5, the animal was discovered tied in a yard owned by one Garfield Skeete, uncle of the accused.
Thereafter, the complainant loosed the animal and took it to the Reliance Police Station in East Canje, where it was kept in custody. After the police had completed their investigations and a veterinary practitioner had been called in, a charge was instituted against the defendant.
This matter is fixed for statements on December 5.