Don’t rush for Eid sacrifice, official says
Abattoir chief also warns against ‘roaming butchers’
Dubai: A senior official has urged worshippers not to rush for the sacrificial ritual on the fist day of Eid Al Adha, saying they have a total of four days to complete the rite.
Ahmad Al Shammari, head of Dubai Municipality’s abattoir section, also warned against seeking the services of unofficial “roaming butchers” who may pose a health risk.
Scores of worshippers throng abattoirs every year to sacrifice an animal on the first day of Eid Al Adha, which this year falls on Saturday.
The crowding means some people have to wait for hours for their turn.
However, the ritual can also be performed in any of the three days following Eid Al Adha.
Al Shammari said the three abattoirs in Dubai will be open through the Eid break, urging people to pace themselves.
“If it’s too crowded on the first Eid day, you can still come in on the second, third or fourth day after that. So don’t be in a rush,” he said.
Al Shammari said the number of animals sacrificed at abattoirs is increasing five to seven per cent every year – 10,500 of them are earmarked for charity this Eid Al Adha.
Two weeks ago, some 20,000 sacrificial animals were available in Dubai, an official from the Ministry of Economy had said. Across the UAE, the number of animals was expected to reach 250,000 by the end of last month.
In a bid to avoid the queues, some residents pay unauthorised ‘butchers’ to carry out the sacrifice.
“The roaming ‘butchers’ are not even butchers or Muslims in some cases. Their equipment is not hygienic and they dump carcass parts in open bins. That’s all a health risk, it attracts insects and rodents,” Al Shammari said.
“People should be aware the only safe and hygienic place for the slaughter is the slaughterhouse. Apartments and streets are not meant for it.”
He added that unlike underground operators, municipality officials check the sacrificial animal and meat for suitability for human consumption.
Meanwhile, abattoir service charges will remain the same as last year: Dh15 to check and slaughter a small animal (sheep or goat); Dh30 for calf, Dh40 to Dh45 for cow; and Dh60 to Dh65 for camel. The price includes vet inspections, skinning and cutting the meat into four parts.
The slaughtering time starts after the Eid prayer on Saturday, and extends till Tuesday.
The three abattoirs are located in Al Ghusais, on Dubai-Al Ain highway in Lisali, and in Hatta.
