Residents of Ben Dabbab, Jnan El Hrissi, and Chara Denounce Livestock Raising in Hafat Moulay Idriss

Residents of Ben Dabbab, Jnan El Hrissi, and Chara neighborhoods in Fez have expressed their strong disapproval of the widespread phenomenon of intensive livestock raising within Hafat Moulay Idriss. The residents have voiced their deep concern about these practices, which pose a significant threat to public health and citizen safety.

The dangers of this phenomenon are multifaceted:

1. Large-scale cattle and sheep rearing in an area not designated for such purposes.
2. These animals primarily rely on waste and garbage as their main food source.
3. The livestock is used for clandestine slaughter within the nearby Palm Market (Souk Nakhil) adjacent to Hafat Moulay Idriss.
4. Consumer health is at risk due to the animals’ waste-based diet, which may lead to contaminated meat.

These practices blatantly contradict Morocco’s food safety laws. Livestock rearing and slaughter should be subject to strict control by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) to ensure the safety of meat intended for human consumption.

In light of these risks, residents are calling on relevant authorities to take urgent and stringent measures to stop these dangerous practices, including:

• Immediate removal of all livestock from Hafat Moulay Idriss.
• Intensified monitoring of illegal slaughter operations in Palm Market and other unauthorized locations.
• Imposing deterrent penalties on those violating food safety laws.
• Increasing awareness campaigns about the risks of consuming meat not subject to health control.

The persistence of this phenomenon poses a serious threat to citizens’ health and requires urgent intervention from competent authorities to protect consumer safety and preserve the environment in the area.