http://www.algomhuria.net.eg/gazette/1/
Thursday . 26 November . 2009 Editorial Civilised slaughtering THE slaughtering of livestock is one of the rituals associated with the Muslim feast of the sacrifice known as Eid el-Adha ,which starts tomorrow.Given the large number of calves and sheep that are annually sacrificed,the act of slaughtering takes place in the streets,which is definitely not part of the ritual.The uncivilised practice,which not only mars the streets but causes environmental pollution as well,has been going on despite calls here and there to establish butcheries or small slaughterhouses for the purpose. This year,Helwan Governorate, south of Cairo,has made accessible its officially- slaughterhouse free of charge for those wishing to slaughter livestock during the Eid ,which is encouraging for many people.But more outlets are needed since it is not always easy to transport livestock to faraway slaughterhouses.Why cannot well-equipped private butcheries be licensed to be used by butchers in the same neighbourhood? The feast is an annual occasion and there has to be another solution other than to see streets turn red with blood.It seems that we become so addicted to our habits that we seldom stop to ponder their con- venience.For instance,marking the renovation of the premises of the Shura Council (theUpper House of Egyptian Parliament),an esteemed MP slaughtered five calves in the precincts of the historic building. The discrepancy in the published piece of news was quite apparent.The deputy celebrated the renovation,in which "state-of-the-art construction tech- niques " were applied,,by slaughtering the calves in the courtyard of the historic building. Surely,there was some other well-equipped place to slaughter the calves.But it is the force of habit that sometimes makes us overlook harm done to the environment. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
