Apply to slaughter an animal
If you intend to slaughter an animal for cultural or religious purposes, you must apply for permission from the City’s Health Department first.
If you intend to slaughter an animal for cultural or religious purposes, you must apply for permission from the City’s Health Department first.
How we manage ritual and cultural slaughtering
We approach the slaughtering of animals for cultural and religious purposes with an open-mind, however, it is important that we remain mindful of our responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment and prevent cruelty to animals.
Remember
The National Department of Agriculture’s Meat Safety Act 2000 (Act 40 of 2000) exempts the slaughtering of animals for cultural or religious purposes from the requirements of the Act. This means that you do not have to slaughter the animal in an abattoir, however, you may not sell the meat to anyone.
Health nuisances
A "health nuisance" is any activity, condition, premises or thing which is considered harmful or dangerous to health or is offensive in any way.
The following are examples of what may be considered a health nuisance:
- dangerous chemical or biochemical material
- effluent
- foul smells and odours
- harmful waste products, dirt and refuse
- lack of proper general hygiene
- microbial infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi)
- noise
- overcrowding
- pests (rats, cockroaches etc.)
- poor design of storage facilities for meat and/or water
- poor or incorrect ventilation
- radiation
- vapours (harmful gases and fumes)
- vegetation
- vibration
In order for us to prevent health nuisances, anyone who plans to slaughter an animal for religious or cultural purposes is required to submit an application form to the City's Health Department for consideration.
Please note
Penalties for unauthorised slaughters and other environmental health violations may include a fine and/or jail time.
If a City health official conducts an inspection at your property and finds that it is unsanitary, offensive in any way, or is a potential health risk, it may be considered a health nuisance and will be dealt with according to our Environmental Health By-law.
Permission for the slaughter will not be granted if you fail to meet the necessary requirements.
Read our Ritual and Cultural Slaughtering Guidelines for details on how to prepare for and conduct a slaughter safely and correctly.
report unauthorised slaughtering
You can report unauthorised slaughtering of animals to an Environmental Health District Office near you.
How to apply
Step 1: Download and complete the application form.
Step 2: Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents at your nearest Environmental Health Office.
Please note
You must apply at least 7 days before the event.
Contact us
Visit our City Health Department page.
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