Livestock entries for sacrificial animals have started in Istanbul

With the approaching of Eid al-Adha, the entrance of sacrificial animals to Istanbul has begun. Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry teams conducted inspections at the Riva Animal Transport Control Point to take precautions against possible issues before the holiday.

Preparations for Eid al-Adha started in Istanbul with inspections. Sacrificial animals entering the city as of June 1 were inspected by the teams of Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry at the Riva Animal Transport Control Point. A total of 26 improper transports were fined with a total of 2.6 million Turkish Liras.

Ahmet Yavuz Karaca, the Director of Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, stated, ‘As of the year 2024, our sacrificial animals started entering as of June 1. We are currently at the Riva animal transport and control point. Previously, slaughterhouses were determined upon the publication of the notification of the sacrificial services commission. So far, 423 sales and 788 slaughterhouses have been designated. Due to the increase in animal movements during the Eid, we had already intensified our road inspections. We further intensified them as of May 13. Administrative actions were taken regarding 26 improper transports involving 325 cattle and 823 small livestock. Approximately 2.6 million Turkish Liras in administrative fines were imposed. Here, the animals undergo health checks by the Provincial and District Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry at their origin. Subsequently, after the health check, their passports are arranged. Their vaccinations are checked, and a physical health report is issued. As of 6:00 PM, we know that there are approximately 30,000 animals on the roads. Last year, 76,000 cattle and 93,000 small livestock were slaughtered in Istanbul. We expect similar numbers this year as well.’

Director Ahmet Yavuz Karaca emphasized that there are a sufficient number of animals, saying, ‘We will not have any issues regarding sacrificial animals. Here, we check if there are physical health reports, if there are passports, if the reports on the animals in the vehicles match the ones on the earrings. Moreover, our Thrace region has been a Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zone since 2010. Animal crossings to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zone are allowed only during the 15 days of Eid al-Adha. After the necessary blood analyses are conducted. In this regard, a physical health report is prepared, and a health certificate for crossing to Thrace is issued. After the checks of these documents, crossing is allowed. Last year, there were about 15,000 cattle and around 18,000 small livestock entries from Anatolia to the European Side. We expect similar figures this year as well. We have no problems. We tell our citizens to buy their sacrificial animals only from authorized places and to have them slaughtered in places approved by the governorship. If they slaughter them elsewhere, in the streets, parks, or tents, they may face administrative actions. And they may encounter many negative consequences. It is a very sensitive issue. We have an application called ‘Tarım Cebimde’ (Agriculture in My Pocket) that can be downloaded from iOS and Android. Citizens who download this can access all information about the animals. Such as their vaccinations, age, gender, where they came from. This makes their job easier. We will be in the field until the last sacrifice is made. Our inspections will continue. In animal markets, farms. Together with all our veterinary colleagues, we will manage the process.’

Muhammet Karakaş, a sacrificial animal owner from Ardahan, stated, ‘We are coming from the Göle district of Ardahan. We are waiting for our animals. After passing the inspection, we will offer them for sale at the Esenyurt market in Istanbul. May God help our farmers. Some of them do not have the required analysis. That’s why they are facing problems. They should pass through easily so that they can offer their animals for sale without any issues. It’s a pity for them. I hope they will pass through easily.’