Prefect Jacques Rolland AMADOU signed decree No. 2/PDA/2026D/1211/SGD/CDLS-TP/SAG/SA 008SGG26 on 25 September 2026 to implement strict controls on roaming animals in Atacora. The regulation prohibits the movement of dogs, cats, and monkeys on public roads and spaces. Owners must ensure these animals are leashed, muzzled, accompanied, and vaccinated at all times when in public areas. The decree explicitly prohibits the movement of dogs, cats, and monkeys on public roads and spaces unless they are leashed, muzzled, accompanied, and vaccinated.
Enforcement and Capture Protocols
Departmental authorities have established a multisectoral brigade alongside local operational culling teams to carry out the provisions of the decree. These units hold the mandate to patrol public areas across the Atacora department to identify and intercept unauthorized animals. The jurisdictional reach of these teams extends across all 9 communes within the department. The Atacora department consists of 9 communes. A departmental multisectoral brigade and local operational culling teams have been established to enforce the decree.
Officials confirmed that any roaming animals discovered in public spaces will be captured immediately upon detection. Following the capture of these animals, the teams have the authority to proceed with potential euthanasia. The protocols dictate that the captured animals face this measure as part of the strict control implementation across the local communes. Roaming animals found in public will be captured and potentially euthanized.
The operational framework established by Prefect Jacques Rolland AMADOU requires that all residents within the 9 communes adhere to the new standards for animal management. By requiring that animals be leashed, muzzled, accompanied, and vaccinated, the departmental authorities aim to maintain order in public spaces. The multisectoral brigade and the local operational culling teams are tasked with the systematic identification of animals that do not meet these specific regulatory requirements.
Under the provisions of decree No. 2/PDA/2026D/1211/SGD/CDLS-TP/SAG/SA 008SGG26, the capture process is designed to be immediate. Once a dog, cat, or monkey is identified roaming without a leash, muzzle, or human accompaniment, the departmental teams are authorized to intervene. This intervention is part of the broader strategy to ensure that public roads and spaces remain clear of unauthorized animals. The potential for euthanasia serves as a final measure for animals captured during these patrols.
The multisectoral brigade, working in coordination with local operational culling teams, will maintain a presence across the 9 communes to ensure compliance with the decree signed on 25 September 2026. This enforcement effort is intended to apply the strict control measures uniformly throughout the entire Atacora department. Owners are reminded that the responsibility for ensuring their animals are leashed, muzzled, accompanied, and vaccinated rests entirely with them as the new protocols take effect. The authorities have indicated that the presence of these animals in public areas without proper documentation or restraint will trigger the capture and potential euthanasia protocols established by the departmental administration.