VARANASI: Call it birth defect or wish of the Almighty, a goat with six legs, four testicles and three penis will be spared from holy sacrifice on the occasion of Id-ul-Juha (Bakrid) this year.

While the black-coloured goat, barely one-year-old and weighing around 10 kg, is all set to attract attention during the goat exhibition prior to the festival, the owner of the goat has ruled out any chances of sacrifice of the unique goat on the auspicious day.

"This goat is a gift of God and the sacrifice of such a goat is not allowed in Islam," said Sher Mohammed, the owner of the goat, while talking to TOI on Sunday. "The goat can be displayed during Bakrid exhibition, but sacrifice of the goat is strictly prohibited," he added.

Saying the goat was born with six legs, four testicles and three penis a year ago, the owner adds it can walk freely and normally like other goats. "It faces problems in defecating and urinating, as discharge of urine is witnessed after frequent intervals from different penis. But still, it is a special goat that attracts attention of people," he added.

His neighbour Sarfaraz maintained that such a goat was rare in the city and had not been witnessed till date in any parts of the region. "I have seen goats with the name of Allah or the holy number 786 on their bodies, but a goat with six legs is definitely unique and special," he said.

According to district veterinary officer Dr BB Singh, such abnormalities are rare but can occur in animals during the development of their body parts. "Genetic changes or mutations can also cause such birth defects," he informed.

