The SPCA has called for the humane treatment of animals during Qurbani taking place next week.
The Muslim celebration of Eid-ul-adha (Eid of Sacrifice) will be observed next Wednesday, during which livestock are traditionally slaughtered.
“The Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA calls on those planning to slaughter sheep, goats or cattle to follow these strict guidelines to ensure the animals do not suffer unnecessarily,” the organisation said.
According to the Animals Protection Act (No.71 of 1962):
* All animals must be confined in a way that allows them adequate space, ventilation, shelter, food and water;
* No animal should be picked up by its fleece, dragged, hit, chased or prodded;
* Animals should be restrained humanely while transported and when slaughtered;
* No animal should be tied by its legs with bailing twine and crammed into the back of car boots or laid on their sides in the back of bakkies;
* When due to be slaughtered, animals should be laid on their sides and not on their backs to avoid distress. Animals should also not be forced to stand or kneel during slaughter;
* Knives used for the slaughter must remain extremely sharp so the slaughtering remains as humane as possible;
* Only experienced people should perform the slaughtering to avoid traumatising animals.
The SPCA says those wanting to perform qurbani at their homes need permission from their nearest City of Cape Town environmental health office.
CoGH SPCA Senior Inspector Manager Marais said inspec-
tors will be stationed at Qurbani farms to ensure compliance.