File picture: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay
RESIDENTS in Swartberg Avenue in Carters Glen, Kimberley, were horrified after sheep were slaughtered in the street during a funeral that was held in the residential area on Friday.
The residents said they had called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the police.
The SPCA stated that an inspector remained on the scene until the last animal was slaughtered to ensure that no cruelty was involved.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi stated that the municipal by-laws in terms of the Meat Safety Act of 2000 permitted the slaughter of animals for cultural and religious purposes.
“We have observed that slaughtering for funerals is purely for consumption where the meat is not for sale. The meat must be handled hygienically without compromising public health and, in relation to animal welfare, the animals are not stressed or kept in excess of 12 hours,” said Mothibi.
He added that the protection of customary slaughter was included as a cultural, religious and linguistic right under the Constitution.
“The Cultural, Religious and Linguistics Rights Commission will consult with municipalities to ensure that the by-laws are not in violation of customary slaughter. While we have not had cases of a violation of public health, we do not issue permits for customary slaughtering as it is part of cultural and religious rights enshrined in the Constitution.”