The City of Ekurhuleni urges residents to follow by-laws before slaughtering an animal.

The festive season is near, and the City of Ekurhuleni urges the residents to adhere to the Public Health By-laws that regulate the keeping of animals and slaughtering for religious and ceremonial purposes.

It’s common practice in South Africa for people to slaughter an animal for various reasons. The slaughtering happens in urban areas where diverse populations live in densely structured settlements; this leads to conflict and also draws the attention of animal welfare organisations and activists.

The Ekurhuleni Public Health by-laws are to promote harmony and respect and ensure that cultural practices can be observed while safeguarding the rights of others and preventing public risk.

To ensure that you comply with the by-laws, here are the key requirements:

Notification to the council in writing, fourteen days before the event.

Written permission from the council to conduct such slaughtering.

The slaughtering should not be in an area where it can be observed by persons on neighbouring premises or any member of the public.

Use of the meat solely for the purpose of the religious or ceremonial feast.

Disposal of any portions, faecal deposits and blood of the animal which are not used or consumed, in a manner which will not become a public health hazard or public health nuisance.

Not keeping such an animal prior to slaughtering for a period in excess of 12 hours.

And that the animal does not cause a noise nuisance or disturbing noise.

Any person who fails to comply with these by-laws is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment.