Amidst the approaching Eid al-Adha, Muslims in Kosovo prepare to celebrate the sacred festival.
In the run-up to this significant Islamic holiday, the Food and Veterinary Agency has issued a clear appeal to Muslim citizens to slaughter their Kurban Bajram animals only in licensed slaughterhouses.
Lamir Thaçi, spokesperson for the agency, emphasized the importance of respecting the standards set by law.
“This is not just a matter of faith, but also a matter of public health security and the enforcement of the law,” Thaçi said in an interview with Ekonomia Online.
“We always make an appeal to the citizens of Kosovo, who follow the Islamic faith, to slaughter their Kurban Bajram animals only in licensed slaughterhouses, as this way we can ensure the health and safety of the citizens,” he explained.
Thaçi noted that the awareness of citizens and farmers has increased in recent years, with many sending their animals to licensed slaughterhouses for slaughter.
“In recent years, we have seen a positive change. Farmers and their livestock are also being sent to licensed slaughterhouses, as they have come to realize that this method is not only safe but also respects all applicable laws in Kosovo,” Thaçi said.
The agency’s spokesperson emphasized that veterinarians from the Food and Veterinary Agency are always present in licensed slaughterhouses, ensuring control before, during and after the slaughter.
“We are present wherever we find animals being slaughtered in open areas, and we work together with the police to take action against anyone who commits illegal or unlawful acts. Every unauthorized slaughter of an animal implies that the animal is exposed to microbiological agents, which can contaminate the products obtained from the slaughtered animal at any time,” Thaçi said.
He added that the law also stipulates that an animal must undergo veterinary checks before, during and after the slaughter to ensure that the products obtained from the animal are safe.
“In every licensed slaughterhouse, veterinarians from the Food and Veterinary Agency are present, conducting checks on all animals. Therefore, citizens who decide to slaughter their Kurban Bajram animals must consider not only the fulfillment of their religious ritual but also the fact that this method does not pose a risk to their health or that of their families,” Thaçi said.
In cases of non-compliance, the Food and Veterinary Agency warns of legal consequences.
“In every case of unauthorized slaughter, the inspector assesses the situation and, in addition to imposing a mandatory fine, also sends the evidence or notifies the prosecutor, as the unauthorized slaughter not only constitutes an administrative offense but also a criminal offense, posing a risk to public health,” Thaçi emphasized.
