Despite awareness campaigns in Sharjah and Ajman about the dangers of illegal slaughtering of animals for Eid, residents continue to violate rules. Even a fine of Dh5,000 for slaughtering animals in unauthorised places does not seem to deter violators, the municipalities of the two emirates have said.
Residents admitted to knowing the dangers of employing illegal butchers, but said they can't afford "to spend an entire day" at the approved abattoirs. They complained of long queues for services at the abattoirs.
Tyeb Al Asma Imran, a Sharjah resident, told Khaleej Times some residents hire illegal butchers to slaughter their animals because of the rush at the abattoirs.
"I don't want to spend my entire Eid at the abattoir," said Imran. "To slaughter my animal, I hire an illegal butcher, who delivers the meat to my doorstep. This way, I get to spend time with my family on Eid. Also, since the meat is delivered on time, we can invite friends and relatives home for lunch."
Muzammil Abu Backr, another Sharjah resident, said he gives money to an illegal butcher to purchase the animal for him and slaughter it.
Hameed Khalfan, another resident, urged the municipalities to set up more abattoirs.
"I tried getting my animal slaughtered at the abattoir once and ended up spending the entire day there."
Only time we make money: Illegal butchers
Two Bangladeshi butchers told KT that they are aware it is illegal to slaughter animals without obtaining a permit from the municipality. "But it is the only time we make some money," one of them said.
The other said he is very particular about hygiene while slaughtering animals. "We don't slaughter animals in residential areas, only in farms. We clean up the area after the slaughter."
He admitted to not being able to spot if the sacrificial animals given to him are of good health. "We have customers who contact us a week before Eid. Some of them give us the money to purchase animals, while others drop their animals for slaughtering."
Abattoirs all set to meet demand
Meanwhile, ahead of Eid Al Adha, the municipalities in the two emirates have said that the abattoirs are all set to meet the surge in demand for services.
The slaughtering of sacrificial animals will start from 7.30am on Arafah day and continue till 6pm, the municipalities said.
Khaled Al Hosani, head of Health Directorate of Ajman Municipality, said: "Following requests from residents, we have rented a plot belonging to the abattoir for traders to sell the animals. This will make it easier for people to choose the animals and directly go to the abattoir for slaughtering."
By Afkar Abdullah
