As part of our investigation in Egypt, we first visit the camel market in Birqash, north of Cairo. We have been active at this market for many years and have tried out various approaches to improve animal welfare. The conditions prevailing there are still appalling.
We don't give up - and return to the market again. This time, too, we are presented with the usual disturbing picture: countless animals crowd the area. According to several workers we speak to, up to 3,000 camels are brought to the market every Friday. Some of them have one leg tied up - a measure to prevent them from running away. Others move freely in large groups.
The atmosphere is hectic and stressful - for humans and animals alike. The treatment of the animals is consistently brutal and sometimes characterized by pure violence. We see many camels whose mouths and noses are covered in blood, indicating the violent beatings inflicted by the traders and transporters. It is also shocking to see how even small children beat the animals with sticks. A difficult thing to watch, yet understandable, as they are simply imitating the behavior of the adults present here.
The market is equipped with ramps designed to make loading and unloading easier. However, in many cases these are not used correctly. There is often a gap between the vehicle and the ramp. This not only makes the loading process more difficult for humans and animals, but also poses an extremely high risk of injury to the camels. Many animals wear nose rings, some of which are pulled violently to make them obey.
The list of animal welfare-related problems is long. We ask ourselves many questions and look for answers - but the origin of the deep-rooted problem in the treatment of animals remains elusive. We remain committed to the camels in Birqash.
