DOHA: Many people are believed to have hired freelance butchers to slaughter sacrificial animals on the first and second days of Eid Al Adha despite the authorities’ public call not to resort to such a practice due to health risks.
There was huge rush at the four abattoirs at Central Livestock Market on the first and second days of Eid and that made many people seek help of freelance butchers.
Illegal Eid butchers are smart operators and brave the risk of legal action to make a quick buck amid soaring demand for animal slaughter during the festive season.
The opportunity to make some money comes their way once a year so many don’t want to let it slip. So many illegal butchers lurk near the abattoirs, having concealed their knives in a bag and solicit customers not far from where public security and traffic personnel are stationed.
Many illegal butchers can be seen standing near roundabouts as well waiting for customers.
The charges of these butchers can reach up to a few hundred riyals depending on where they are taken and how many animals they slaughter, community elders say.
The Ministry of Environment has banned animal slaughter out of licensed abattoirs because of health risks posed by diseases animals and butchers may have which can be passed on to the meat eater.
At the abattoirs, veterinarians check animals for diseases before slaughter and later test the meat to ensure if it is bacteria- or disease-free.
Butchers at the abattoirs are also issued health certifications that say they are fit to do the job.
Meanwhile, Widam (Qatar Meat and Livestock Company) got enough printed coupons yesterday after Thursday’s shortages.
The company distributes coupons to people who buy animals for sacrifice to collect the meat.
The Peninsula
