It was supposed to be a joyious occasion for a family in Kota Kinabalu, but it quickly turned chaotic when a buffalo which was about to be slaughtered for Hari Raya Haji escaped.
According to The Star Online, the buffalo was reportedly tied to a tree near the owner’s house but it managed to escape on Sunday morning.
Several villagers reportedly tried to capture the animal, but it soon became agitated and would charge at anyone who tried to go near it.
The owner’s son, who tried to grab hold of a rope tied to the buffalo’s neck, reportedly hurt his arms when the animal ran off.
The buffalo then ran towards a nearby school where it almost knocked over a motorcyclist as several firemen, policemen and civil defence personnel chased after it.
A man, who was taking photographs behind a fence, was reportedly injured when the buffalo rammed into the fence.
A fireman was also injured trying to stop the buffalo.
Unable to stop the rampaging beast, wildlife rangers were finally called in to tranquilise the buffalo.
Sabah Wildlife Department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan told the news portal that it took three darts to stop the animal.
“It was returned to the owner after that,” he was quoted as saying, adding that the buffalo was slaughtered on Monday morning after the prayers.
