If you are still looking for a sacrificial animal for Eid-ul-Azha, consider purchasing one online. Doing so will save you time and ensure that you do not have to visit crowded livestock markets. Livestock can be purchased online in two ways: website that contain classified ads placed by individual who are selling livestock, or websites which deal exclusively on livestock. The latter is a better option, as these websites are considered to be more reliable as the sacrificial animals available on it are managed by the company running websites.
Factor in the following before buying a sacrificial animal from an online ‘market’ (website):
* Websites provide pictures, videos and details of sacrificial animals on sale, including their age, colour, gender, size, weight and price.
* Prices are fixed and are usually 10 to 20% higher than regular markets; prices of goats and sheep range between Rs 25,000 and 60,000; cows and bulls cost between Rs 90,000 and 150,000.
* Most websites support payments via credit cards, debit cards and bank transfers.a. However, it is advisable to opt for the cash-on-deliveru options (which is usually free) because this will allow you to physically inspect the animal before making a payments. Remember to ask your neighbourshood butcher to be present at the time of delivery so he can inspect the animal.
* Charges for delivering animals to cities other than where the company has a presence vary between Rs 3,000 and 10,000.
* Some websites provide slaughtering services; they will slaughter the sacrificial animal, clean and pack the meat and deliver it to the venue of your choice; charges range between Rs 3,000 and 8000.
By Syed Wajeeh-ul-hassan Naqvi