SAHIWAL: Prices of sacrificial animals are skyrocketing, making it almost impossible for the lower, lower-middle and middle classes to buy even a small animal for the upcoming Eidul Azha.

The local market and other spots where sacrificial animals are being sold are attracting several buyers but hardly 50pc of them actually buy something.

This correspondent visited the biggest market established on Jhal Road and found everyone complaining. Sellers admitted prices had gone up by 30pc to 40pc as compared to the last year.

A goat or a sheep with an average weight of 20kg was being sold between Rs22,000 and Rs30,000. Bigger animals weighing 30kg to 35kg were being sold between Rs35,000 and above.

Muhammad Jamil, head clerk in a government office, claimed no animal was available between Rs15,000 and Rs20,000. “I came with my sons to buy a sheep but it’s out of my reach,” he said.

Aleemuddin, an Okara-based animal seller, defended the high prices saying fodder, fuel and transportation cost had made animals expensive.

Animals like cows, buffaloes, oxen and bulls are being sold between Rs50,000 and Rs300,000. Camel is also available and its price starts from Rs250,000 and goes up to Rs400,000. However, there are very few camels and even fewer buyers.

Muhammad Bashir, a seller from Noor Shah who travelled to Jhal Road animal market daily, told Dawn he brought 10 animals but could not find a single buyer during the last four days before Eid. The local livestock department had established a dispensary in the ‘Bakar Mandi’.

“Sick animals are treated and given free medicines,” the livestock district officer told Dawn.

Ghala Mandi police are deputed for security, however, there is no boundary wall in and around the market leaving the space open for anyone to enter from anywhere.

Several cart-pushers are also seen in the market selling food and other items, including tea.

Jameel was selling colourful ribbons tied to artificial flowers and silk thread to decorate sacrificial animals. “People usually buy these decorative items after purchasing an animal,” he added.

A local animal trader while responding to the question of high prices rejected the perception that prices would go down on the last day before Eid.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2014