Big rush at abattoirs in UAQ

The abattoirs of Umm Al Quwain saw a big rush on the first day of Eid Al Adha.
Staff inspectors of the UAQ Municipality were present to streamline the slaughtering process and give customers tickets based on 'first come, first serve' basis.
Maitha Jassim, director of environment and public safety sector at the UAQ Municipality, said the three main abattoirs of the emirate were all set for receiving the public. "The three abattoirs at downtown, new cattle market and Falaj Al Mualla were open from 6am to 6pm to meet the big rush and curb long queues."
The three abattoirs will remain open till today, she added. "The three slaughterhouses can handle over 1,500 animals on a daily basis."
Jassim said hefty fines will be slapped on those who go for street slaughters. "Such slaughtering, which is not monitored by officials concerned pose a grave risk to public health and safety."
Omar Ahmed, an Egyptian engineer, said he is used to sacrificing a sheep every Eid Al Adha. "I usually take my kids to the cattle market to pick a good sheep, and go to the central abattoir here."
It took Ahmed 15 minutes to have his Dh500 sheep slaughtered and cut into pieces.
"The abattoir downtown is well-organised and the slaughtering process is done quickly and smoothly."
Mohammed Sadiq, a Sudanese resident, said though he stays in Dubai, he always goes to the UAQ market to buy a sheep every feast.
"Prices here are much lower than other markets," he said. "Of courses, price differs from one type to another and from one weight to another, but rates are affordable in general."
Riza Qazi, a Pakistani resident, said he sought advice from his friend Ashfaq who is an expert in buying sheep. "He is also good at bargaining," he said. "I bought a fat sheep for Dh600 only."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Umm Al Quwain