The orders of the High Court notwithstanding, the authorities have failed to keep a check on the quality of mutton supplied to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
An official of Srinagar Municipality preferring anonymity said the butchers slaughter the sheep at their respective places in total violation of the municipal rules and guidelines issued by the authorities and the high court from time to time.
He was, however, quick to admit shortcomings of the municipality. “There were a few slaughter houses in the city which have been closed now. Presently, there is no functional slaughter house and the mutton dealers have do the slaughter etc at their respective places. We cannot go to all the places to check the animals,” he said adding the complaints about slaughter of sick animals by the butchers are not totally unfounded.
Pertinently, according to the municipal guidelines, a veterinary doctor has to check the animals meant for slaughter. Only such animals can be slaughtered which are certified to be fit for human consumption by the veterinarian and other staff that has to be monitor slaughter, read the guidelines.
Concerned citizens rue non-availability of adequate manpower in the municipal bodies across the state. “Slaughtering of animals at places other than slaughter houses is not permissible. Inadequate cleaning protocols by the butchers cause contamination of meat, thereby rendering it unfit for human consumption,” they opine.
According to them, disposal of waste is yet another problem which the authorities have failed to address. “Normally, the waste is thrown in rivers, streams and ponds. It is even thrown into the bins installed by municipalities at various places. This is a dangerous trend and is a major factor responsible for alarming increase of stray dog population,” they lamented.
They have suggested random lifting of samples from the butcher shops to ensure quality supply of mutton and cleanliness of the areas around illegal places of slaughter.
A suggestion seeking training of butchers in hygiene management and meat handling from experts has also been put forth.