Abstract:
Goats are traditionally slaughtered to celebrate marriages and births; venerate the ancestors; address
personal problems or during funerals. The objective of this study was to assess animal welfare issues
associated with the traditional slaughter of goats in and around Pretoria, South Africa. Participatory
research methods were used to interview 105 respondents. Four of those interviewed were visited to
observe the slaughter process. The most common method of transport was a vehicle (47%), followed
by on foot (30%). The distance travelled (68%) was usually <10km, and in all cases <50km. The
most common (57%) method of restraining goats during transport was by tying all four legs together.
While, during slaughter the head and legs of the goat were held by assistants (55%). Prior to
slaughter, the majority of goats were tied under a tree (66%). In total, 97% of the goats were
slaughtered within 24 hours and no stunning was performed. In this study, animal welfare problems
were widespread and research should be undertaken to find practical ways of addressing animal
welfare issues during traditional slaughter.
