GUJRAT: The city’s abattoir has been sealed over non-implementation of standard operating procedures and slaughtering of animals under unhygienic conditions. The veterinarian appointed there has also been suspended for being absent from duty.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Khurram Shahzad paid a surprise visit to the slaughterhouse located along Shah Jahangir Road and found it operating under unhygienic conditions with a slaughtered calf lying in the open and a pregnant cow slaughtered for being ill. The unhealthy meat of the pregnant cow as well as other animals was confiscated.

There were heaps of animal waste and hides lying around where animals are slaughtered prompting the administration to immediately seal the premises.

The contract for the abattoir had been auctioned by the Gujrat Municipal Corporation on annual basis and a senior veterinary doctor of the livestock department deputed there to examine the animals before being slaughtered.

The DC expressed anger over the situation at the facility and ordered that it be sealed. Its contract was also revoked and an inquiry ordered into the matter.

The veterinarian was suspended and will face a regular inquiry. The DC has constituted a task force, which will be headed by the district officer livestock, who along with the team will examine the remaining abattoirs of the district and prepare a detailed report.

Three years ago, the then Gujrat tehsil municipal administration had initiated construction of a slaughterhouse at the cost of Rs15 million along the Boley bypass road on the outskirts of the city.

Its construction is almost complete and just needs to be given final touches after which the facility would be made operational.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2019