There are platforms that offer more security, though. Take Pashubazaar.com, a website set up in 2016 that sources goats from farmers for sale across India. Goat mandis have their drawbacks, says Vinay Gautam, chief operating officer ofthewebsite. “The goats often aren’t inspected by veterinarians, so there are chances of zoonotic diseases spreading during qurbani."
Gautam pitches his website for its hygiene controls: Once sourced, he says, each goat undergoes a thorough inspection by a qualified vet. Images of the goats are then put up on the website, with details of height, weight, age and colour. At a time when Lucknow, home to the founders, is not allowing mandis, the website has already seen bookings for over 400 goats for the city. Last year, it was 200 around Eid.
