فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, Morocco – Moroccan authorities have launched a widespread control campaign to prevent the entry of sheep intended for slaughter into cities, as Eid al-Adha approaches. These strict measures come as part of national efforts to protect the national livestock, which has been significantly affected by drought and rising fodder prices.
Strict Instructions and Closure of Informal Markets
Strict instructions have been issued by several prefectures and provinces to local administrators (caids and pachas) to ensure the prohibition of sheep sales for Eid. Local authorities have intensified surveillance operations at city entrances, on rural roads, and in weekly markets. Several trucks transporting livestock have been intercepted, and reports have been filed against their drivers.
According to concordant sources, Walis (governors) have demanded the immediate closure of livestock markets, including shops, garages, and warehouses that have been set up and converted into sheep selling points as Eid approaches.
Closure of Weekly Souks and Combating Illicit Slaughter
This weekend saw communal decisions taken to close weekly souks in several regions, particularly in the peripheral areas of Casablanca, notably Berrechid and Mediouna, to halt all transactions related to Eid sheep.
For example, the Royal Gendarmerie in Deroua (Berrechid province) intercepted two trucks heading to Casablanca and Mediouna. On board: clandestinely slaughtered sheep. Authorities immediately proceeded with the destruction of the seized heads and offal.
An Exception to Preserve Livestock in Line with Royal Call
This exceptional mobilization comes in response to the call from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, urging citizens to exceptionally forgo the ritual sacrifice of Eid this year, due to the alarming decrease in national livestock numbers. The scarcity of livestock has already led to a surge in red meat prices.
Several civil associations are calling for these measures to be strengthened to prevent any circumvention of the ban, including the illegal sale of offal (notably “douara”), in order to protect the remaining livestock and ensure the country’s food security in the coming months.
