The city government on Tuesday formally inaugurated its first automatic and humane slaughterhouse accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Barangay Sta. Trinidad here.

The meat processed at the newly-renovated Angeles City Slaughterhouse can be distributed outside this city.

“We will ensure that under our watch, there will be no more inhumane, animal torture, and abuse involved in treating of animals,” Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said during the event.

A known champion of animal welfare who provided programs for the city’s feline and canine pets, Lazatin said he aims to eradicate the inhumane treatment of animals in slaughterhouses, which is why he actively pushed for its renovation.

“Kaya sinikap po natin na maisagawa ang renovation ng (We tried to do the renovation) of the slaughterhouse, we want to promote a more humane treatment and handling of livestock and poultry,” he said.

“We have always advocated for animal welfare ever since. Dito sa Angeles City, hindi lang kapakanan ng mga residente ang pinangangalagaan natin, kundi pati na rin ang mga hayop dito (Here in Angeles City, we look after the welfare not only of our residents but also of animals).”

An automated poultry dressing plant, wastewater treatment facility, and ice plant have been installed in the new slaughterhouse.

The environment-friendly slaughterhouse can process 4,000 to 5,000 chickens per hour, 700 to 1,000 hogs per 12-hour operation, and 100 to 200 cattle and carabaos per 12-hour operation.

In terms of treating the animals, the new facility will employ a humane strategy where animals will be stunned before they are processed.

Meanwhile, Lazatin’s political chief adviser Irish Calaguas said the construction of the new slaughterhouse transpired through a Build-Operate-Transfer partnership with Cabanatuan EACA Agro-ventures, Inc.

Under the agreement, Calaguas said, the city government leased its land for 25 years to the private partner, with the latter paying a monthly rent until the end of the contract.

The Cabanatuan EACA Agro-ventures, on the other hand, shouldered the construction, including the financing, operation, and maintenance, of the PHP80 million slaughterhouse.

After 25 years, the slaughterhouse will be turned over to the city government. (PNA)