Tips from the DKI Jakarta KPKP to Choose a Sacrificial Animal

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Food, Maritime, and Agriculture Directorate (KPKP) provides tips to the public in choosing healthy and halal sacrificial animals.

"In addition to having to comply with Islamic law, sacrificial animals must also be ensured to be in good health so that they are safe to consume and meet the principles of animal welfare," said Head of the DKI Jakarta KPKP Office, Hasudungan A. Sidabalok when confirmed in Jakarta, Sunday.

According to him, the public needs to understand a number of basic criteria before buying sacrificial animals, whether goats, sheep, cows, or buffaloes.

The sacrificial animals chosen must meet the provisions of Islamic law. Among them, the animals are in good health, have no physical defects, are not thin, and are of sufficient age according to religious provisions.

"The requirements for sacrificial animals according to Islamic law include being healthy, not being disabled such as blind, lame, broken horns, broken tails, or having earlobe damage," said Hasudungan.

He explained that the sacrificial animals must also be male and not castrated. For cows and buffaloes, the animal must have two complete testicles with symmetrical shape and location.

In addition, the age of the animal is also an important concern. Goats or sheep are at least over one year old, which is usually marked by the growth of a pair of permanent teeth. Meanwhile, cows or buffaloes must be over two years old with a sign of growing a pair of permanent teeth.

Not only that, the public also needs to pay attention to the physical health condition of the animal before making a purchase. Healthy animals are considered to produce meat that is safe to eat and support the implementation of a worthy sacrificial ritual.

In addition, some of the characteristics of healthy sacrificial animals, including having bright and clean eyes and not excessive watering. The animal's nose should also be naturally moist and not emit excessive mucus.

Then, healthy animals usually have good appetites, are active, and have clean and not dull fur. Body condition should also be proportional and not too thin.

"Also make sure that the animals do not cough, have a cold, shortness of breath, or diarrhea. Healthy animals do not have wounds, lumps, or contagious skin diseases," said Hasudungan.

He added that the public should buy sacrificial animals at official sales locations that have been supervised by government officials so that animal health is more secure because it has been examined by veterinary officers.

The DKI Jakarta KPKP Office itself continues to monitor the traffic and sale of sacrificial animals in various areas of the capital ahead of Eid al-Adha. The inspection is carried out to ensure that the animals being traded are free from disease and meet health requirements.

Through this education, Hasudungan hopes that the community will increasingly understand the importance of choosing healthy, worthy, and halal sacrificial animals so that the sacrificial worship can run safely and comfortably.