DAMMAM: Illegal slaughterhouses and sheep holding pens are again making their appearance in the Kingdom with the approach of Eid Al-Adha.

Citizens and residents complain that the presence of both is incompatible with the minimum requirements of environmental health in addition to their unpleasant odors and dangerous impact on human health and life.

People maintain that the phenomenon disturbs the general appearance and cleanliness of Saudi cities. They appealed to the authorities to step up their inspection campaigns and transfer all slaughterhouses away from urban areas and population centers, and intensify awareness of the health risks of such areas.

With the approach of Eid, these illegal slaughterhouses and sheep holding pens constitute a black market which sell goods and services at vastly inflated prices. The places also allegedly provide employment for illegal residents in the Kingdom and violate both health and hygiene requirements.

Livestock vendor Muhammad Ali said: “Livestock prices increased recently due to the high demand for Eid Al-Adha.” He noted that there were many unlicensed slaughterhouses as a result of insufficient inspection campaigns.

Nasser Al-Anzi, who lives near some illegal slaughterhouses, said: “There is a lack of municipality supervision and residents have complained in vain. He called on the authorities to address the problem before the sacrificial season when pollution increases, slaughterhouses expand into the streets, and animal skins are thrown everywhere, posing a risk of infectious diseases.”

Misfer Al-Qahtani, a resident in an affected area, said: “It is necessary to deal firmly and strongly with the illegal establishments which throw waste in the streets. This can lead to the transmission of diseases as well as contamination of the environment.”

At the same time, workers in the slaughterhouses said that unpleasant odors were natural and did not cause any health problems, although some people have suffered chest problems, asthma and allergies due to their continued exposure to the odors.