While purchasing a sacrificial animal for Eid-ul-Adha is the most important and joyful part, the journey from the market to home can be quite challenging. If this journey is not completed properly, the beauty of Eid can be marred. In Bangladesh, many people transport sacrificial animals in trucks or undertake long journeys in ways that cause physical and mental distress to the animals.
Islam strictly instructs us to be kind to animals. Therefore, ensuring a comfortable journey for the animal is our ethical and religious responsibility. Below are some effective tips that, if followed, can make the animal's journey safe and comfortable.
- Choose a Compatible Truck Considering the Animal's Weight and Number: Many people, to save costs, transport multiple animals crammed into a small pickup truck. This leads to respiratory distress in animals, and they may get injured or fall due to a lack of space to move.
Tips:
- Ensure in advance that there is enough space in the truck for each animal so they do not bump into each other or have to stand too close.
- If the journey is longer than 4-5 hours continuously, try to provide space for the animals to sit as well.
- Overloading a truck is legally prohibited and extremely distressing for animals, so refrain from overloading.
- Book an Open or Well-Ventilated Truck: In Bangladesh's hot and humid climate, transporting animals in covered trucks can lead to respiratory distress or suffocation, even risking their lives. Additionally, excessive heat can cause heatstroke or dehydration.
Tips:
- Use an open or half-covered truck to ensure proper air circulation.
- If a tarpaulin is used on the truck, always leave open spaces at the sides for air to enter.
- Arrange for Sufficient Water and Food: Animals naturally get tired during long journeys. Many people transport animals by truck from markets to their village homes, which can be 50-100 km away.
Tips:
- Provide clean water to the animals before and after the journey.
- If there is an opportunity to take a break during the journey, you can feed them some hay or grass.
- On hot days, you can sprinkle a little water on their bodies to keep them cool.
- Show Empathy When Loading and Unloading Animals onto the Truck: Suddenly pulling or pushing any animal when loading or unloading can be painful and dangerous for it. And if there is no ramp for the truck, the animal might slip and fall.
Tips:
- Use bamboo or wooden ramps to load and unload animals onto the truck.
- Load animals patiently and never frighten them.
- Seek experienced assistance if needed.
For long-route animal transportation, avoiding continuous journeys is extremely important, as this can lead to excessive fatigue and a higher risk of illness in animals. Therefore, if possible, it is advisable to take short breaks in between to allow the animals to rest. Also, instead of traveling under the harsh sun during the day, it is better to start the journey in the early morning or evening. Remember, treating animals kindly during the journey is not just humane; it is a clear instruction in Islam. A sacrificial animal is not merely an object of purchase and sale; it is a trust and a symbol of sacrifice. Neglecting its care means disrespecting the core message of Eid-ul-Adha. Let us be vigilant and take full measures to make the animal's journey from market to home comfortable and safe.