Algeria foils donkey meat swindle

The meat was sold at three butcher's shops in Algiers

A number of people in Algeria have been accused of selling donkey meat as beef, after complaints from the public.

Five butchers and four vets have been summoned to appear before the state prosecutor, after police seized a ton of donkey meat in the capital, Algiers.

Police estimate some 1,500 donkeys have been slaughtered in recent months for human consumption.

It is alleged that the donkey meat had been mixed with beef in an attempt to allay suspicions.

Police spokesman Mohammed Abadli told Algerian radio that officers acted after complaints over the quality of the meat.

He said it was clear criminals had been trying to exploit the increased demand for meat during Ramadan.

Ramadan

"A gang of people used the municipal slaughter-house, which had been privately rented, with the aim of distributing that meat," he said.

"It's well-known that during the month of Ramadan demand and consumption of meat goes up, so those criminals exploit this to sell the meat," he said.

He told the radio station that it was a great relief that they had stopped the operation.

"The vets are supposed to be monitoring. They're the ones who should be protecting the consumers," he said.

"Thank God their crime has been revealed."