121 sheep from Ireland meant for korban die mid-flight

Sheep in large crates waitIng to be transported by Mini Environment Singapore, an approved korban vendor appointed by Muis, for Hari Raya Haji in 2015. PHOTO: MINI ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

SINGAPORE - More than 100 of the 1,700 sheep flown in from Ireland for Monday's Hari Raya Haji celebration were found dead after arriving at the Changi Airport Cargo Terminal early on Sunday morning (Sept 11).

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, which was on hand to inspect the animals, began investigations into the incident on-site after it was found that 121 of the sheep had died on the flight.

Findings indicated that heat stress was the cause of the death and there was no sign of infectious disease in any of the animals.

The remaining sheep are healthy and their meat is suitable for consumption.

On Sunday morning, the Singapore Mosques Korban Committee also informed affected individuals who had earlier pledged the sheep for the korban, the annual ritual slaughter of livestock held in conjunction with Hari Raya Haji.

These people will be given the choice of either having the korban performed for them in Australia some time within the next few days, or have the amount spent on purchasing the sheep refunded.

It is not known how many people are affected.

The 1,867 sheep brought in from Australia for the korban were not affected and have been transported to 13 mosques here after arriving on Sept 9.

In 2014, 174 sheep imported from Australia died mid-flight due to heat stress.

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