Abu Dhabi slaughterhouses kill 47,000 animals during Ramadan

Residents have been urged not to slaughter animals that have not been inspected by a vet.

ABU DHABI // Forty seven thousand animals have been slaughtered during Ramadan in the city's abattoirs.

However, 227 were deemed unfit for human consumption after the pre-slaughtering screening by vets.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City also said yesterday that it deployed a vet at the Livestock Market to examine all animals and offer assistance and advice to shoppers.

"The civic body has also subjected all butchers and workers to a qualifying and training programme focused on food safety and personal hygiene, which was delivered by specialist consultancy offices in order to raise the calibre as well as the professional and health practice of staff operating in the slaughterhouses," said Khalifa Al Rumaithi, the municipality's director of public health.

For the first time, abattoirs have provided ice boxes to keep meat fresh and ensure slaughtered animals are transported in a pollution-free environment and protected from the heat.

Mr Al Rumaithi has asked the public not to slaughter animals at homes, in public places or outside licensed slaughterhouses. He said the animals needed to be inspected by vets.

Abu Dhabi Municipality also said yesterday that city slaughterhouses will be open for 12 hours a day during Eid Al Fitr.

Hours have been extended to 6am to 6pm at Abu Dhabi public slaughterhouse at Al Mina; Al Shahama slaughterhouse; and Bani Yas slaughterhouse.

The Al Wathba slaughterhouse will open from 8am to 4pm.