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65
During the year, a new aspect of immigrant food problems was encountered.
Information was received in one case which led to finding the remains of two sheep
carcases which had been buried in the garden of a private house, The owner was a
Moslem and the animals were slaughtered according to ritual and the edible parts
distributed to friends. The remains found were taken away in one of the Department's
vans and destroyed.
Information was received in another instance, but in this case, the animal was
found alive, again in the back garden of a private house, and the owner here agreed
to the animal being slaughtered at the Metropolitan Cattle Market. This was done, and
upon examination, the carcase was condemned as being unfit due to a dropsical and
emaciated condition. The occasional slaughter of animals not intended for sale for
human consumption does not appear to be covered by legislation, and the carcase may
therefore not be examined and passed as fit for human consumption. It has been pointed
out to those concerned that facilities are available at the Metropolitan Cattle Market
for animals to be slaughtered in accordance with ritual conditions, and it is hoped
that this kind of practice will not be repeated.
Due to staff difficulties the number of samples taken during the year and routine
inspections is lower than usual, but it is anticipated that the position will improve
in the coming year.