12 Jun 2014

The number of animals slaughtered in Palapye can be increased by upgrading the existing slaughter slabs into medium throughout abattoirs, says department of veterinary services official, Dr Nerverson Sithole.

He informed councillors during the ongoing Palapye sub-council meeting that Palapye had six slaughter slabs, which slaughtered three animals per day each.
 He said the number of animals slaughtered per week could not be increased unless owners of slaughter slabs improved them into medium or high throughput abattoirs.

Dr Sithole said a slaughter slab could kill animals not exceeding 15 per week whilst a medium throughput abattoir would cater for animals not exceeding 500 per week. He said this explained why slaughter slabs in Palapye slaughtered three animals per day or 15 animals per week per slab.

He explained that those who wished to upgrade their slaughter slabs could approach the veterinary office where they will be informed on what to do to upgrade prior to assessment.

Dr Sithole was responding to a motion tabled by councillor for Lotsane ward, Mr Lesego Setlhare which sought the council to request department of animal health and production to increase the number of animals slaughtered from three to five per day.

Debating the motion, Mr Setlhare said the demand for meat was high as a result three animals slaughtered at each of the six slaughter houses was insufficient for the over 45 existing butcheries in Palapye. He said this ultimately will result in stock theft which explains why the council through Environmental Health unit often records cases of uninspected meat found in butcheries.

He said increasing the slaughtered number from three per day will address the problem of uninspected meat sold in some butcheries in Palapye.
 However, the motion was withdrawn following advise from Dr Sithole. 
ENDS