Bhaktapur, October 3

Every year thousands of mountain goats and sheep are imported in the valley from China and eastern parts of the nation after completing quarantine checks in the border area for Dashain festival.

This year too, thousands of mountain goats and sheep from the eastern region have been brought to Bhaktapur. Every day, over 500 goats arrive in Sallaghari, Tinkune and Bhaktapur for sale.

“It is very difficult to bring the goats inside the valley on time,” said Shyam Shrestha, a salesman. “The valley is currently witnessing summer season while the animals are brought from cooler places of the hilly region. Due to difference in temperature and climate, the animals are at high risk of dying,” he added.

Shrestha added that shepherds had to pay tax to the District Development Committee for quarantine checks in different border areas such as Ghasa, Tatopani, and Khaireni in order to bring the animals to the valley.

“After the quarantine test, mountain goats are coloured in red and green where red means the goats cannot be sold while green means they’re good to go,” he said.

Another salesman, Vishnu Bhakta Shrestha said the goats and sheep could be vulnerable to different kinds of diseases during travel. He said, “It takes five days for us to bring the mountain goats from Jomsom to Beni of Myagdi district. Such a long route without proper food and care could easily kill the animals before they even arrive in the Valley.”

“There is high risk for us while bringing a large number of goats. This year, the price of mountain goats has increased by Rs 50 because of the risk and high travel expenses,” he said. “We have lost five to six goats on the road and the bus this year,” he said.

According to non-gazetted officer of Bhaktapur Municipality Rameswor Koju, the municipality, Central District Office and Consumer Protection Forum Bhaktapur are monitoring the sale and import of goats and sheep along with the animals’ health condition.

“We have been charging Rs 10 per animal as cleanliness fee,” said Koju, adding, “The animals should be kept in a clean area for their good health. We also have permitted the sale of meat from the same place where the goats have been kept.”