Ritual slaughter of animals draws claims of animal abuse

A resident of Ville D’Fleur estate in Kingfisher Avenue, Sunward Park, has raised concerns over the inhumane slaughter of animals by fellow residents, the most recent being the killing of a cow and a sheep at one of the homes.

The upset homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, said neighbours are disregarding the by-laws governing the religious and cultural slaughter of animal.

“People in the estate, including children, have been subjected to inhumane slaughtering on several occasions.

“I do understand that ritual slaughtering is allowed by legislation, but my greatest concern is that people tend to disregard the municipal by-laws regulating this practice and don’t care about people who don’t subscribe to this cultural practice,” said the complainant.

The shocked resident said people need to understand that these rules are put in place to ensure that this practice takes place in a controlled manner, with less suffering to the animals. And they also regulate the health issues pertaining thereto.

“As a person who is passionate about this issue, I believe that if the rules are followed and the SPCA is involved with the processes of the practice, much less suffering is caused to the animals. However, these rules are ignored and people do as they please,” said the displeased resident.

The Boksburg Advertiser sent a request for comment on the issue to the estate’s managing agents, Coral Property Management Solutions, on September 22.

However, no response was received at the time of going to press on September 29, despite the director, Geoff Edeling, acknowledging receipt of our email and promising to send their comment.
Efforts to get a comment from the residents who conducted the slaughtering proved unsuccessful.

The Advertiser understands that action was taken against those responsible with a fine imposed for their ‘transgressions’.
Nonetheless, the complainant felt that the punishment was much more lenient than expected.

Concerning the municipal regulations controlling ritual slaughter in the City of Ekurhuleni, the Advertiser reached out to the metro and the SPCA for comment and advice on the correct procedure in the by-laws.

Both the metro and the SPCA appealed to members of the public to follow the correct procedures and respect other people’s rights when performing the ritual slaughter of animals as part of their cultural or religious beliefs.

Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore responded to our questions:
How often do you receive complaints about illegal animal slaughtering in Boksburg and what are the known hot spots?
We receive about two to three complaints a month concerning animal slaughter. These are usually phoned in and reported by people living in gated communities. There are no known hot spots as such. People tend to slaughter animals for celebratory events such as weddings, funerals, or religious festivals.
What is the SPCA’s official stance on customary animal slaughter?
The SPCA does not condone the slaughter of animals in areas that are not properly equipped to accommodate, transport, or restrain farm animals. The SPCA does not wish to infringe on the religious and traditional rights to slaughter, but at the same time, the law must be adhered to and slaughter must be done as quickly and humanely as possible.
Explain the processes to follow when slaughtering for ritual and religious purposes.
The best way to go about it is to ensure the humane slaughter of animals and carry out such practices in the interests of harmony and respect for other people’s rights, especially in residential areas. More details can be found in Section 14, page 58 of the public health by-laws.
What part does the SPCA play concerning the issue (the application, transportation, handling and the actual process of slaughtering of the animals for rituals and religious purposes)?
The SPCA offers a service whereby we can go to the slaughter site and offer public assistance with the humane slaughter of an animal. We ensure the slaughter is done swiftly and professionally, causing the animal as little stress and suffering as possible. We urge the public to take into consideration their families and friends when trying to slaughter terrified, angry, and large animals. A bull, for example, will not go down without a fight, and spectators often get badly injured when the animal breaks loose from inexperienced handlers. The SPCA offers stunning equipment that can numb the animal, rendering it unconscious to pain before it is slaughtered.

Metro responds
Concerning the municipal regulations controlling the ins and outs of ritual slaughter in the City of Ekurhuleni, spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city’s by-laws make provision for the slaughter of animals for religious or own-consumption purposes.

Broadly, municipal guidelines for customary keeping and slaughtering of animals for religious and ceremonial purposes include the following:

(1) A person intending to slaughter an animal in any place other than in recognises abattoir must:
(a) notify the council in writing 14 days before 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 the council to conduct such a slaughtering.
(d) Slaughter of 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, meaning that the meat shall not be offered for sale.
(f) Handle the meat from the slaughtered carcass hygienically at all times.
(g) Dispose of any portions, fecal deposits, and blood of the animal which are not used or consumed, in a manner that will not become a public health hazard or public health nuisance.
(h) Do not keep such animals before slaughtering for a period over 12 hours. The animal may not be stressed at any time before slaughter and must be handled humanely.
(i) Ensure that the animal does not cause a noise nuisance or disturbing noise whilst being kept for slaughter or being slaughtered.

(2) A person intending to slaughter an animal for religious and/or ceremonial purposes may require the service of an environmental health practitioner for a post-mortem examination of the slaughtered animal at a cost determined by the council from time to time.

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