Dubai: Authorities in Al Ain are cautioning residents to hire professional butchers for slaughtering their cattle for Eid, or face a hefty Dh10,000 fine.

The Public Health Department at Al Ain Municipality further warned residents not to slaughter their animals on the street, as it should be carried out in licensed abattoirs that have regulated prices.   

Slaughtering a sheep or a goat costs Dh15 dirhams, Dh25 for a calf, and Dh40 for a cow or a camel.

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Hassan Al Kaabi, head of the abattoir section at the municipality, explained that fines for violating health and safety regulations start from Dh3,000.

“Anyone who slaughters animals outside abattoirs and without the presence of a veterinarian will have to pay a fine of Dh5,000. Unlicensed butchers can pose a serious health risk to customers, and will be issued with a Dh3,000 fine,” said Al Kaabi.

Employing sick or injured workers will also incur a Dh3,000 fine.    

Selling or possessing slaughtered livestock without the approval from the municipality or the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority will lead to a Dh10,000 fine. Another Dh10,000 fine will also be imposed if animals are sold without the approval of a veterinary, who is required to confirm that the animal is fit for human consumption.

“Eating, sleeping or smoking inside the abattoirs, or carrying any material into the abattoir that is not related to slaughtering, carries a Dh3,000 fine,” said Al Kaabi.

At the Abu Dhabi Slaughterhouse, the municipality expects that 2,500 animals will be processed on the first day of Eid alone. The abattoir will be served by eight vets and 150 butchers. 

Meanwhile, 1,000 animals are expected to be processed at Al Wathba Slaughterhouse on the first day of Eid. The facility has four vets on staff, along with 40 butchers, and it will be the only abattoir to process camel meat, starting from midday onwards on the first day of Eid.

About 3,000 animals are expected to be sacrificed at the Bani Yas Slaughterhouse on the first day of Eid. Eight veterinarians and 200 butchers have been assigned to serve the facility.

At Al Shahama Slaughterhouse, 1,500 animals are expected to be processed on the first day. Four veterinarians and 50 butchers will be on duty there.