Baghdad mobilizes for Eid, bans livestock slaughter in public streets

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Municipality announced Sunday a citywide service and sanitation plan ahead of Eid al-Adha, including intensified cleaning operations and a ban on unauthorized livestock slaughter in public streets.

Municipality spokesperson Uday al-Jandil told the Iraqi News Agency that campaigns had begun to wash Hussainiyas and mosques ahead of Eid prayers, while parks, public gardens and main and secondary roads across the capital would receive intensive cleaning and maintenance. Municipality crews remove between 9,000 and 10,000 tons of waste daily, transporting it to landfill sites in Nibai and Nahrawan, with sanitation workers continuing throughout the holiday despite the official break.

Strict instructions have been issued to ban grazing and random slaughter of livestock in public streets. “If any violation is detected, the sheep will be confiscated immediately and sold at public auction according to applicable laws and regulations,” Jandil said. Livestock sellers are permitted to display signs directing buyers to designated authorized sales areas.

Eid al-Adha, expected to begin Wednesday, commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son before being instructed to sacrifice a ram instead. Muslims who are financially able traditionally slaughter sheep, goats, cattle or camels during the holiday and distribute portions of the meat to relatives and those in need. The holiday coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.