100s hurt in ritual slaughter

2006-01-10 21:51

Ankara - Hundreds of Turks stabbed themselves or were otherwise injured on Tuesday as they sacrificed agitated animals on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.

Muslims sacrifice cows, sheep, goats and bulls during the four-day religious holiday, a ritual commemorating the biblical account of God's provision of a ram for Abraham to sacrifice as he was about to slay his son.

Muslims share the meat with friends, family and neighbours and give some to the poor.

More than 1 000 people, including about 500 in Istanbul, were treated at hospitals, most for cuts to their hands and legs, the Anatolia news agency reported.

Two people died of heart attacks while trying to restrain animals, it said.

An escaped bull ran through the streets of the Mediterranean port city of Mersin followed by a police car, Anatolia said.

It was eventually caught after a vet fired a tranquilliser dart.

Private NTV television showed footage of other escaped bulls running in streets or attacking owners.

Turkish authorities have introduced fines for those who slaughter animals outside facilities set up by local municipalities.

But many Turks could still be seen sacrificing animals in their backyards or on roadsides.

- AP