DUBAI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The ADM slaugterhouse of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital Abu Dhabi said on Saturday it has processed over 23,330 head of livestock in the first week of Ramadan, marking an "unprecedented footfall," UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Licensed abattoirs in the capital have measured up to the increasing public demand for slaughtered animals and dealt with 22,332 sheep and goats, 998 cows and camels between May 13 and May 19.

Muslims usually buy meat of slaughtered animals days before the start of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and worshipping.

Veterinary tests were undertaken on animals to ensure the community's safety. Some carcasses were destroyed, as they were deemed unfit for human consumption, said the WAM reported.

The Abu Dhabi municipality also urged all community members to avoid carcasses and livestock brought from unknown sources or unlicensed street vendors.

Slaughtering animals privately at home or by non-licensed butchers or slaughterhouses is forbidden by law in the UAE. Private wild animal ownership is also banned in the Gulf Arab country.

During Ramadan, Muslims do not drink, eat or smoke from sunrise until sunset. They usually break their fast with their family members and friends at sunset, followed by evening prayers.

Children under 14 years old, the elderly, sick people, the pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempted from fasting.