Livestock markets registered hectic activities over the past two days, with some buyers complaining about the shortage of local livestock. (SPA)

Local media monitored livestock sales markets in Riyadh and reported that some merchants cheat consumers by selling imported sheep under the pretense that its local.

Cheating tactics varied to attract buyers. Some sellers lift the front legs of the sheep, which pushes the digestive system downward and collects fat at the back of the sheep giving it an attractive appearance to delude consumers into thinking that the sheep is in good condition. Some sellers beat sick sheep to make them look active and healthy.

Livestock markets registered hectic activities over the past two days, with some buyers complaining about the shortage of local livestock such as Al-Najdi, in addition to the varying prices between one seller and the next. Some sell sheep at a 15 percent premium; the price of Al-Najdi sheep varies between SR1,450 and SR2,500; Al-Naimi costs between SR1,400 and SR2,000; Al-Sawakini ranges between SR550 and SR950, while the Barbari ranges between SR400 and SR700.

Miteb Al-Motawe said livestock sales witnessed successive increases in prices since the beginning of Dul Hijjah, and further hikes are expected leading up to the Day of Arafat.

He warned against falling victim to those merchants who exploit the ignorance of some buyers in choosing their sacrificial animal, by selling exported sheep as local.