THE slaughtering of animals for religious or ceremonial purposes is part of many South Africans’ culture.
On the other hand, it remains an “unacceptable” practice for many others and very hard to accept.
In past months Kempton Express became aware of two such incidents where neighbours found the practice, which is legal according to by-laws, offensive.
In a letter written to Express, a resident of Suikerbekkie Street in Birch Acres wrote: “On April 15 neighbours decided they were going to take it upon themselves to slaughter an animal no more than seven metres from my home. I was absolutely horrified to hear the screams of the goat as it was slaughtered. All done within full sight of my lounge.”
A Van Riebeeck Park resident also expressed his disgust with the practice on social media a few weeks prior to the above incident.
He posted: “… in Van Riebeeckpark is wragtag besig om ‘n skaap te slag in sy yard, keel afgesny en als. My kinders vra my wat hy besig is om te doen. Daar is sekerlik iemand wat ek kan kontak? Kultuur se gat. Dis crualty.”
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro, said according to the City of Ekurhuleni’s public health by-laws of 2009, slaughtering animals for religious or ceremonial purposes is allowed. However, various conditions apply.
A person intending to slaughter an animal in any place other than in a recognised abattoir must:
(a) Notify the council in writing 14 days prior to the event.
(b) Submit prior written permission from the owner, tenant or person in control of the land where such a slaughtering will occur, if the person who performs the slaughtering is not the owner, tenant or person in control of the relevant land. If the applicant is the owner, proof of ownership must be submitted with the application.
(c) Obtain prior written permission from council to conduct such a slaughtering. The permit may be obtained from the environmental health office next to the EMPD offices.
(d) Slaughter the animal in a position where the slaughtering cannot be observed by any person on neighbouring premises or any member of the public.
(e) Use the meat derived from the slaughtered animal solely for the purpose of the religious or ceremonial feast.
(f) Handle the meat in a hygienic manner at all times.
(g) Dispose of any portions, faecal deposits and blood of the animal which are not used or consumed, in a manner which will not become a public health hazard or public health nuisance.
(h) Not keep such animal prior to slaughtering for a period in excess of 12 hours.
(i) Ensure that the animal does not cause a noise nuisance or disturbing noise while being kept for slaughter or being slaughtered.
Residents who witness an unlawful or inhumane slaughtering may contact the offices of the health and social development department in Kempton Park on 011 999 6461/3982.
The area environmental health practitioner will investigate the matter and take appropriate action to assist in conducting the investigation.
“We will appreciate it if the contact details of the complainant and address of the houses involved are provided,” Gadebe said.
Kira Sparrow, manager of Kempton Park SPCA, suggested that residents who plan a religious or cultural slaughtering advise the society beforehand.
“We are always available to be present to assist should anything go wrong and ensure that correct procedures are followed.”
She advised that residents contact their neighbours so that they are made aware of the proceedings and are not surprised at what they might see.
“Screen or cover the proceedings if possible for the benefit of your neighbours. Ensure that the normal health and safety rules and regulations are applied and the disposal of blood, carcasses, and so on is done in a hygienic manner,” Sparrow added.
