Ritual slaughter has no place at the World Cup finals

Published: 3 June, 2010

• LIKE millions of people around the world, I was looking forward to watching the World Cup in South Africa on TV. 

Sadly, after learning that a bull is to be slaughtered at each stadium, I shall switch over. The Makhonya Royal Trust, a body which promotes and co-ordinates African cultural events in the country, lobbied authorities to go ahead with the sacrificial slaughter of cows at all stadiums where games are to take place. The government agreed and confirmed this is to go ahead. This is not a slaughter in a well-regulated abattoir. It is a ritual slashing of the animal’s throat. 

The authorities believe it will bring the games good luck. A much kinder alternative would be a parade of bulls in team colours.

DENISE BENNETT 
Monsell Road, N4