What is the legal ruling on purchasing a sacrificial animal (udhiyah) through an agent, when it became clear after its purchase that it did not meet the conditions of udhiyah in terms of age, and then it fell ill, compelling the agent to slaughter it and sell it for a paltry price?

If the agent purchases a cow that does not match the agreed-upon specifications and the principal does not approve of it, then the cow does not enter into the principal's ownership; rather, it becomes the property of the agent. The agent is then obligated to purchase another cow for the principal with the stipulated specifications or return the paid amount to him. However, if the cow matches the agreed-upon specifications, or if the principal approves of it after its purchase, then it is the property of the principal, and there is no liability on the agent unless he has been negligent in its care.