Animals’ Angels visits several weekly animal markets in Morocco. At the market in Mers-El-Kheir, our team observes a positive change compared to previous years.
The number of cattle offered for sale has decreased significantly. Whereas on earlier visits around 600 bovine animals were typically present, only approximately 15 cattle were found at the market during the current inspection.
In the past, Animals’ Angels repeatedly documented the presence of cattle originating from the European Union, including cows from Germany, at this market under alarming conditions. Many of these animals were subsequently brought to the slaughterhouse located directly at the market. The closure of this slaughterhouse appears to be the key factor behind the reduced activity on the market. The facility, where thousands of cattle and sheep were slaughtered every week, has now been permanently closed.
Since 2019, Animals’ Angels has documented that EU cattle were slaughtered at this site without any animal welfare standards being applied, under horrific conditions that clearly contradict EU animal protection legislation and would be classified as animal cruelty under EU law.
During the current visit, we were able to confirm that the slaughterhouse is permanently closed. We are relieved that at this place which was hell for the animals the killing has finally stopped! Also, it is positive that this development appears to have had an immediate impact on the number of bovine animals traded at the market and may represent an important step towards reducing animal suffering linked to this trading route.
Unfortunately, the closure of the slaughterhouse did not bring a positive change for the sheep, goats and chickens traded at this market. They are still sold and handled there in great numbers under conditions that are far below acceptable. We will continue to speak up for the animals in Morocco’s markets and call on the authorities to finally take action.
