The price of carp has stayed at last year’s level, which is CZK 80 per one kilogram. Just a quick comparison: In Germany the price is in the region of 200 and more per kilogram. Sales of carp have rules and regulations to comply with. For example, all the sales points have to be registered at Veterinary Administration.
Point of Sale has to be well equipped
“Vendors are obliged to secure the sales point in a way that meets requirements laid down by veterinary regulations and hygienic norms,” said the spokesman of the State VeterinaryAdministration, Josef Duben. The place has to be equipped with a counter with washable desk that can be easily maintained and disinfected, as well as with big tanks to keep the carp in. This should ensure the well-being of the animals and prevent their maltreatment. If a vendor kills and portions fishes on the spot, he has to have suitable knives and a mallet to stun the fish with and a spatula. Apart from that, he is also obliged to be equipped with labelled tanks for entrails, dead fish and other types of items.
Killing has its rules also
The fish killing process has to comply with the Protection of Animals Act. “The act, for example, lays down that fish can be killed only by being stunned by a strong stroke with a blunt item on the crown of the head. This has to be followed by the cut right behind the head which severs the spinal cord and blood vessels and causes bleeding, “said Josef Duben. “Processing is not allowed prior to the end of bleeding. Tools, materials and equipment have to be made, maintained and used in a way that ensures a fast and effective process,” added J. Duben. Based on last year’s controls, vendors already know the rules and observe them.
Freedom means death
Vets are strongly against releasing the carp in the Vltava River, which is still rather popular among Praguers. “It is not possible to simply release Christmas carp, which have been purchased at a stall, in a pond or river. It can be hard freedom. In the majority of cases, Christmas carp are not able to survive until spring because they have been prepared for the Christmas table. They are starved and don’t have any reserve nutrition,” Josef Duben pointed out.
