Follow the correct procedures when celebrating Eid al-Adha
RANDBURG – The Randburg SPCA has requested all who partake in 'Qurbani' to follow proper procedures before slaughtering livestock.
The annual Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha began on 21 August.
Eid al-Adha, also called the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year.
During the festival, ‘Qurbani’ takes place, which is part of the Eid al-Adha festival, during which animals, usually cattle, sheep and goats are slaughtered to be eaten over a specified three-day period.
Often, the festival will be celebrated in private homes, so long as proper and lawful procedures are followed.
Neighbouring residents who are unfamiliar with these cultural practices may worry about the handling of these animals, particularly if it occurs within a residential area.
Randburg SPCA inspector Debbie Kegel said, “The slaughtering of animals for Qurbani is legally permissible in a residential area.
However, this still has to comply with the requirements of the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.”
“The SPCA’s responsibility is to ensure, that the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 is adhered to at all times.
An SPCA inspector must physically monitor all aspects of the activity including transport, off-loading, holding, handling, slaughter and time to dressing.
“All animals must be healthy and uninjured, have food, water and shade prior to slaughter.”
Most slaughtering is undertaken on the first day, with slaughtering taking place after sunrise and before sunset.
The festival started on 21 August and will end on 25 August.
The SPCA typically advises those who are inexperienced but want to partake in Qurbani, to contact them so that they may be advised on proper protocol.
Details: Randburg SPCA 011 462 1610
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