2 Dec 2009

Cattle slaughter at SA Stadia draws criticism

6:43 am on 2 December 2009

A proposal to bless South Africa's World Cup stadiums by slaughtering a cow in each one has caused concern among animal rights activists.

The Makhonya Royal Trust, which put forward the idea, described the cattle killing ritual as a "true African" way of blessing the 2010 tournament.

Government minister Sicelo Shiceka has promised to lobby football's governing body, Fifa, in support of the plan.

But animal rights groups have demanded to be consulted over the plans.

The National Council for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has written to Fifa over the issue.

It is understood that the NSPCA does not object to the ritual slaughter of animals, but the group wants to ensure it is done in a humane way and wants to be involved in the process to ensure the welfare of the cattle.