Thousands of animals, including chickens, quail, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and dogs, are killed each day during its religious rituals.
Sacrifices take place in secluded areas or in priests' homes or other secret meeting places.
Slaughter and Symbols Santeria sacrifices, normally attended by about 10 to 25 people, last an average of four hours but may last days. Larger animals, such as goats or sheep, typically have their throats slit, whereas smaller animals' heads may be torn or twisted off by ritual participants. Animals have been found bludgeoned to death, burned with acid, and dismembered. Some followers of Santeria have been brought to court. In the case of First Church of Chango, Inc., v. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City, the New York courts ruled that animal sacrifice is not fully protected by the first amendment.