Entry of sacrificial animals into Istanbul has begun

Preparations for Eid al-Adha in Istanbul have begun with inspections. Sacrificial animals, which started entering the city as of June 1, were inspected by teams from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry at the Riva Animal Transport Control Point. A total of 2 million 600 thousand TL in administrative fines were imposed for 26 instances of non-compliant transport.

Istanbul Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Ahmet Yavuz Karaca stated, "As of 2024, our sacrificial animals began entering as of June 1. We are currently at the Riva animal transport and control point. Prior to this, with the publication of the sacrificial services commission's communiqué, slaughter sites were determined. So far, 423 sales sites and 788 slaughter sites have been designated. We had already tightened our road controls due to the significant increase in animal movement during the sacrifice period.

We tightened them even further as of May 13. Administrative action was taken regarding 26 non-compliant shipments involving 325 cattle and 823 small ruminants. Approximately 2 million 600 thousand TL in administrative fines were imposed. Here, animals undergo health checks by the Provincial or District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry at their place of origin. Subsequently, after the health check, their passports are issued. Their vaccinations are checked, and a physical health report is prepared. As of 18.00, according to the information we have received, we know that there are approximately 30 thousand animals on the roads. Last year, 76 thousand cattle and 93 thousand small ruminants were slaughtered in Istanbul. We expect the same numbers again," he said.

Stating that there is a sufficient number of animals, Istanbul Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Ahmet Yavuz Karaca said,

"We will not have any problems regarding sacrificial animals. Here, in our checks, we look at whether they have physical health reports, whether they have passports, and whether the reports match the animals in the vehicles and their ear tags. Furthermore, our Thrace region has been a Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zone since 2010. Animal passage into the Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zone only occurs for 15 days during the sacrifice period. It happens after the necessary blood tests are performed. In this regard, a physical health report and a separate health certificate for passage to Thrace are issued.

After these documents are checked, they are allowed to cross to the other side. In this way, 15 thousand cattle and around 18 thousand small ruminants entered the European Side from Anatolia last year. We expect the same figures this year as well. We do not have a problem. We tell our citizens to absolutely buy their sacrificial animals from authorized places. And have their sacrifices slaughtered in places permitted by the governor's office. If they slaughter them elsewhere, on the street, in a park, or in a tent, they may face administrative action.

They would also encounter many negative situations. It is a very sensitive issue. We have an application called 'Tarım Cebimde' (Agriculture in My Pocket). It can be downloaded from iOS and Android. If our citizens download this, they can access all information about the animals. Such as their vaccination, age, gender, and where they came from. This makes their work easier. We will already be in the field until the last sacrifice is slaughtered. Our inspections will continue. In animal markets and on farms. We will manage the process together with all our veterinarian friends," he expressed.

Sacrificial animal owner Muhammet Karakaş, who came from Ardahan, said, "We are coming from the Göle district of Ardahan. We are waiting for our animals. We will pass them through inspection and offer them for sale at the Istanbul Esenyurt market. May God help our farmers. Some do not have test results. Because of that, they are having problems. They need to pass through without any trouble. It is a pity for these people. Let them pass through here comfortably so they can offer their animals for sale. I hope they will pass," he said.

News Source: İHA