Morocco cancels Eid-ul-Azha animal sacrifice because of drought and economic crisis

Moroccan authorities have suspended the traditional animal sacrifice for Eid-ul-Azha 2025, following a royal directive from King Mohammed VI.

This historic decision, driven by a severe seven-year drought and economic hardship, aims to protect the nation’s shrinking livestock herds and ease financial burdens on citizens facing rising meat prices.

It marks the fourth cancellation of the Qurbani ritual in Morocco’s history, The Halal Times reported.

The king highlighted a 38% decline in cattle and sheep since 2016 and soaring animal feed costs. To uphold the spirit of Eid, he pledged to perform a symbolic sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans.

The government closed livestock markets and banned slaughter tools sales to enforce the suspension.

The cancellation heavily impacts farmers and traders reliant on Eid sales. In response, Morocco launched a MAD 6.2 billion ($620 million) program to support the livestock sector and eased import duties, securing 100,000 sheep imports.

Public reactions are mixed, with support for the decision’s welfare focus and criticism over the loss of tradition.