MAKKAH — Citizens have complained about farmers who raise cattle and butcher them in residential areas.
They said these livestock farmers could be spreading diseases and pollution, Makkah daily reported.
Majed Al-Barakati said farm owners risk lives by violating health and safety regulations and disregard the importance of environmental health. He said: “The cattle they raise and the crops they grow attract insects with contagious diseases.
“They even produce their own milk and sell it without any regulation. “Authorities must interfere and do something about these farms as it is affecting the area's general health standards.”
Bander Al-Otaibi said the municipality is responsible for the farms in neighborhoods.
He said: “The municipality should set regulations prohibiting farmers from turning their backyards into animal farms.
“The municipality should also raise awareness of the farmers and the damage and danger they are posing to citizens and residents around them.”
Makkah Municipality spokesman Osamah Zaytouni said the local authority has formed a committee in response to the citizens' complaints.
He said: “The municipality ran inspection campaigns on Makkah Road and Al-Shimaisi District to clean up discarded animal carcasses.
“The municipality also issued warnings against farmers or workers selling meat and milk without a license.”
He said these carcasses cause environmental pollution and could be dangerous to drivers on the main roads.
“The municipality granted the farmers an amnesty to either close down their farms or relocate.
“The period granted ended last month and the municipality seized all animals in residential areas.
“The municipality also seized kitchen utensils, electricity generators and gas tanks.”
He added the municipality seized heads of sheep and camels but the farmers would usually return to their illegal trade once the inspection campaign was over.
“The municipality's inspection campaigns are ongoing and I encourage the citizens to report on any violations they come across.”
