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.

With Morocco’s sheep herds dwindling at an alarming rate, King Mohammed VI made a rare break with tradition by urging families to forego buying sheep to sacrifice during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha.

Due to severe drought and livestock shortages, Morocco has asked citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha

Herds have shrunk because of drought and dry pastures, so Moroccans are urged to abstain from slaughtering sheep.

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 the price of meat.

Eid al-Adha for this year has just been canceled in Morocco. This was announced in a letter by King Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Faithful, read Wednesday evening by Moroccos Islamic Affairs Minister in a TV broadcast.