Rules and requirements for animal slaughtering during the Eid al-Adha holiday have been explained.
Information was provided to Medianews.az by the Food Safety Agency.
It was stated that during the slaughtering of sacrificial animals, strict adherence to a number of veterinary-sanitary and sanitary-hygienic requirements must be ensured.
According to the agency’s statement, this area is supervised in the Republic of Azerbaijan in accordance with the decree "On regulating animal slaughtering activities" and regular measures are taken to prevent illegal animal slaughtering:
"During the days of Eid al-Adha, the slaughtering and sale of animals must be carried out only at special points determined by the relevant state authorities. Slaughtering and sale of animals, as well as transportation of animals without a veterinary certificate, in streets, roadside areas, neighborhoods, and other public places are prohibited.
The following requirements must be observed at slaughtering points:
• Veterinary-sanitary and sanitary-hygienic rules must be ensured;
• The point must have a continuous supply of water;
• Staff must undergo regular medical examinations;
• Workers must work in special clean clothing (coat, gloves, hairnet, rubber boots, etc.);
• Contaminated personal protective clothing must be changed promptly;
• Entry of dogs, cats, and pests into the area must be prevented;
• Waste must be collected and removed on time in accordance with sanitary-hygienic rules;
• Used tools and equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected."
The Food Safety Agency also stated that, in addition, protecting the welfare of animals during slaughter and ensuring a humane approach are important requirements:
"The butcher must carry out the slaughter while protecting the animal's welfare, and adhere to sanitary-hygienic requirements during the process. Animals must be unloaded from transportation vehicles without injury, kept under appropriate conditions before slaughter, and provided with sufficient drinking water. The slaughter process must not cause fear or stress in the animal and should not be conducted in front of other animals. The slaughter should be carried out as quickly as possible without causing suffering to the animal."
The agency explained that there are also specific requirements regarding the sale of wrapped sacrificial animals:
"Sales points must be equipped with refrigeration equipment and adhere to the cold food chain. The slaughter of ordered animals must be carried out only at registered slaughtering points.
Sale and slaughter of live animals are not allowed in these sales networks. The Food Safety Agency regularly conducts monitoring to prevent cases of illegal animal slaughter. Citizens are kindly requested to report illegal slaughter points to the relevant authorities and the Agency's "1003 – Call Center."