Nine sacrificial goats died of suffocation while being transported in the luggage compartment of a passenger coach in Punjab ahead of Eidul Azha, according to local reports.
The incident occurred on a coach travelling from Sadiqabad in Rahim Yar Khan district to Sialkot. Reports said the animals were placed inside the vehicle’s luggage compartment during the long journey.
When the bus reached Taranda Sawai Khan railway crossing, the compartment was opened and all nine goats were discovered dead.
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Initial reports suggest the animals died due to extreme heat and lack of ventilation inside the enclosed storage area. Rising temperatures combined with limited airflow are believed to have caused suffocation during transit.
Passengers on board reportedly recorded videos after the discovery, with footage later circulating widely on social media and drawing criticism over the handling and transportation of animals.
The incident has renewed concerns about animal welfare during the Eidul Azha season, when large numbers of sacrificial animals are transported across cities and provinces for sale and personal purchase.
Animal rights advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, including limits on the number of animals carried, proper ventilation, and safer travel conditions.
Authorities had not immediately announced whether action would be taken against the transport operators involved in the incident.
The development comes days after Pakistan officially confirmed the sighting of the Zilhaj moon, with Eidul Azha set to be observed nationwide on May 27.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad in Karachi, with testimonies received from multiple cities confirming moon sighting.
As Eid approaches, livestock markets across Pakistan are witnessing increased activity, with buyers travelling to major cattle markets for sacrificial animals.
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Experts say transporters should follow proper guidelines to prevent similar incidents, especially during hot weather conditions common in many parts of the country during summer months. Public awareness regarding humane animal transport has also become a growing topic in the lead-up to the religious festival across Pakistan annually.