King Mohammed VI of Morocco asked Moroccans on Wednesday to abstain from performing the rite of slaughtering sheep on Eid al-Adha this year due to a drop in the country’s herd following years of drought.

Sheep come running when Larbi El Ghazouani pours alfalfa and straw into their troughs twice a day. He had counted on selling the bulk of his sheep to Moroccans preparing for early June's Eid Al-Adha holiday,

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the country’s “commander of the faithful,” called on citizens to forgo the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid al-Adha in early June. The reason: a severe drought that has reduced livestock numbers and driven up prices.

Morocco officially canceled Eid Al Adha, the Islamic ritual sacrifice of cattle, due to challenges impacting Morocco's agriculture seasons

The king of Morocco has called on people to refrain from sacrificing sheep during a religious festival later this year because of a drought that has decimated livestock populations and driven up

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on citizens to forgo the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid Al-Adha due to economic hardship and dwindling livestock caused by drought. The announcement highlights the financial strain on families amidst skyrocketing prices and ongoing inflationary pressures in the region.

With the nation's herd reduced by drought and prices rising due to inflation, King Mohammed VI has asked the public to refrain from slaughtering sheep. View on euronews

Sheep come running when Larbi El Ghazouani pours alfalfa and straw into their troughs twice a day. The 55-year-old farmer had counted on selling the bulk of his 130 sheep to Moroccans preparing for early June’s Eid al-Adha holiday,