SPCA appeals for humane slaughter over Qurbani (EID-UL-ADHA)

Whilst extending good wishes to Muslims preparing to celebrate Qurbani which begins on Friday 27  November the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA appeals to the Muslim community to ensure that animals slaughtered for the annual festival are handled with respect and compassion.

Based on statistics from previous years the SPCA estimates that around 750 000 animals may be slaughtered in South Africa over the Qurbani period. Animals slaughtered would include sheep goats and cows. 

The CoGH SPCA reports that it has been in close contact with the Muslim Judicial Council and has received a list of addresses where Qurbani slaughter will take place across Cape Town.  At each of these venues an SPCA inspector will be on hand to ensure that animals are killed humanely and will offer to pre-stun animals to facilitate this.  The SPCA encourages pre-stunning of all animals before slaughter and hopes this will become the norm rather than the exception.  According to the SPCA the same standards (governed by the Animals Protect Act) apply to all types of slaughter whether religious traditional cultural and tribal.

Transportation of animals to the slaughter sites is also a concern for the SPCA which has appealed for suitable and appropriate transportation to be provided for live animals.

“Half a dozen sheep pushed into the boot of a passenger vehicle is an all too common yet illegal means of transporting live animals” said CoGH SPCA Chief Inspector Andries Venter. 

The SPCA is also aware that “speculators” will stock up on animals prior to Qurbani and sell them for slaughter.

To report any concerns regarding roadside animal sales transportation or pre-Qurbani “holding” of animals please contact the CoGH SPCA Inspectorate on 021 700 4140 or a/h on 083 326 1604.

The SPCA has expressed its appreciation to the growing number of Muslims who choose to donate money “in lieu” of a literal sacrifice.