Civic bodies across the UAE have warned people against hiring private and illegal butchers to slaughter animals, as they may subject themselves to diseases as well as a fine.
The officials said arrangements have been made for animals to be slaughtered at municipality abattoirs. Butchering without supervision, could have adverse effects on health and the environment, the authorities have warned. The civic bodies have also been monitoring livestock markets to ensure a supply of disease-free animals.
Al Ain Municipality has enforced a strict control regime saying public slaughtering could result in diseases being transmitted to humans and environmental pollution.
Sharjah Municipality has launched a four-day health awareness campaign asking residents not to slaughter animals outside slaughterhouses.
In Abu Dhabi, the municipality is well prepared as the number of animals for slaughter rises during the holiday period.
"A team of municipality inspectors explained the necessity in slaughtering animals in the designated areas of slaughterhouses. There is still a section of residents who would rather carry out the slaughter at their homes because they do not want to be bothered by crowds at slaughterhouses," said Shatha Al Mua'alem, Director of the Public Health Department at Sharjah Municipality.
"The inspectors are explaining in simple terms, that if the slaughter of animals is carried out without the necessary supervision, then humans as well as the surrounding environment may be subjected to diseases," she said.
Veterinarians are also participating in the drive to educate the public on the risk of slaughtering infected or ill animals.
Dr Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director of Public Health at Al Ain Municipality, said the large-scale dumping of the residue of slaughtered animals could pose a serious threat to the environment and public health.
Certified butchers at abattoirs are trained in dealing with meat and keeping it clean. The civic administration has also developed a plan to overcome congestion at slaughterhouses. Apart from slaughtering, care should be taken while storing meat.
Information
To report illegal butchering and slaughtering of animals outside abattoirs
- In Sharjah, call 993 to report
- In Dubai, call 800-900 for any violations
- In Abu Dhabi, call 800-22220 or on emergency line 993
By Aftab Kazmi and Mariam Al Serkal
