Traditionally, as the festive season approaches, many families across the country are preparing to observe their social and religious traditions with animal slaughter, an important practice that marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

On that account, authorities and animal welfare groups are urging residents to follow proper procedures and legal guidelines to ensure that slaughtering for ceremonial events is carried out responsibly and humanely.

City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said improper or careless slaughter in urban areas where diverse populations live in densely structured settlements sometimes leads to conflicts and concerns.

It can create serious health risks, cause unnecessary suffering to animals, and may negatively affect the environment. It also draws the attention of animal welfare organisations and activists.

“To promote harmony and respect among neighbours, the city’s public health by-laws regulate the keeping and slaughtering of animals for religious and ceremonial purposes outside of designated abattoirs.

“These by-laws ensure that cultural practices may be observed, while safeguarding the rights of others and preventing public health risks or nuisances.”

Any person who fails to adhere to these public health by-laws is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine or imprisonment.

Key requirements include:
• Notification to the CoE in writing, at least 14 days before the event.
• Written permission from the CoE to conduct such a slaughter.
• The slaughtering should not be in an area where persons on neighbouring premises or any member of the public will see it.
• Use of the meat solely for the religious or ceremonial feast.
• Disposal 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.
• Not keeping such an animal prior to slaughtering for over 12 hours.
• That the animal does not cause a noise nuisance or disturbing noise.

For enquiries or applications, contact your respective environmental health offices:
• Boksburg and Vosloorus: 011 999 5407
• Benoni/Daveyton: 011 999 6431
• Kempton Park: 011 999 6461
• Brakpan: 011 999 8148
• Alberton: 011 999 2970
• Tsakane/Duduza: 011 999 8200
• Springs/Kwa-Thema: 011 999 9001
• Nigel: 011 999 6663
• Edenvale: 011 999 3335
• Alberton and Germiston: 011 999 0347/8 or 011 999 5737 or 011 999 0530
• Katlehong 1 and 2 and Thokoza: 011 999 2347/8 or 011 999 2466.