Cost of sacrificial sheep rises to SR490

The cost of a sheep for sacrifice during Haj has risen by SR40 to SR490.
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is the only institution authorized to run the Adahi program overseeing animal sacrifice during Haj. A number of countries buy Adahi coupons from the IDB during Haj.
Apart from importing sheep and other livestock from traditional sources such as Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea, the Kingdom has started buying from Uruguay and Pakistan. It has also restored imports from Turkey and Australia.
According to sources, the IDB procures livestock from local traders who import from abroad. They say the prices are fair considering that sheep from Sudan and Somalia costs SR1,000 and SR600 respectively during the Haj season.
Due to rampant incidents of cheating and fraud many are opting for the IDB's program.
The slaughtered sheep meat is distributed in Saudi Arabia through 270 charity societies and 24 countries in Asia and Africa.
Veterinarians check the livestock thoroughly to ensure compliance with health regulations and Islamic law.
Coupons can be purchased online at www.adahi.org, or at Saudi Post offices, branches of Al-Rajhi Bank and other locations.
Last year, criminals from India created a fake website that claimed to be associated with the IDB and tried to collect money online. The fraud was uncovered and customers were warned by Indian officials.