Illegal slaughter of animals and overcharging by butchers is continuing unchecked in different parts of the Multan city. The price control magistrates are conducting no raids to ensure implementation of the official price list. According to a survey, a large number of animals are slaughtered at the illegal slaughterhouses operating at Hanno- Ka Chajjah, walled city, Shujabad road, Delhi-gate, Gulgasht, Kiri Jamandan and Mumtazabad.
The butchers disposed of animal waste in the thickly populated areas causing problems to the residents, as the smell of the rotting meat and entrails makes them want to vomit.
The residents said that though the city district government was providing an alternative slaughterhouse away from the populated area, the authorities concerned must crack down on these illegal slaughterhouses. According to official sources, the present slaughterhouse is operating under the administrative control of DCO Multan, but butchers prefer to slaughter animals at their private slaughterhouses to save the transportation cost.
Meanwhile, the consumers of the above-mentioned different areas have complained of health related problems due to consumption of substandard beef and mutton. It has been observed that most of the butchers hang meat uncovered outside their shops exposing it to flies and dust. A private physician said that consumption of substandard meat causes health hazard to the consumers.
Majority of consumers told that in most cases butchers did not display the official price list, while those who displayed the price list charge them Rs 20 to 30 above the official rate. They demanded that the district administration should keep an eye on the meat pricing.