Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH – More than 1.14 million heads of sheep will be imported shortly to meet the sacrificial requirements of pilgrims who come for Haj this year, said Dr. Omar Al-Faqeeh, director general of the Environment, Water and Agriculture Ministry’s branch office in the Makkah province.

“We already issued 61,813 import permits for this purpose until last week,” Al-Faqeeh said while speaking to Al-Madina Arabic daily.

He said the ministry has completed all preparations for the upcoming Haj season. “We have recruited the necessary number of veterinary doctors who will inspect the health condition of sheep imported through Jeddah Islamic Port,” he added.

Al-Faqeeh said the ministry would also check health of sheep and other animals at entry points of Makkah in order to protect the health of Makkah residents and the guests of God.

“We’ll not allow entry of any cattle to Makkah except after ensuring their health and country of origin,” the director general said. “We’ll appoint 131 veterinary doctors and assistants as well as administrators during the Haj season.”

Al-Faqeeh said the ministry has drawn up a comprehensive plan for this Haj season. “We’ll keep ready seven teams of veterinary doctors at entry points of Makkah including Kaakiya, Old Shumaisi, Sharaie, Nouriya and Hada. Two new teams will be deployed in Husainiya and Jurana,” he said.

“We have conducted a workshop for those who work in the veterinary teams during the Haj season,” the director general said, adding that participants were trained on how to avoid negative aspects that have taken place in the past years.

Work has started at the ministry’s three offices in Jeddah, Jamoom and Al-Laith to mark sheep and other livestock that enter Makkah. “This comes as part of efforts to implement the Animal Resources Law and the law on the kind treatment of animals,” he explained.

He said animal breeders will be given guidance as part of this campaign.