Probe killing of stray animals-Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for an impartial investigation into the recent poisoning of stray dogs and cats in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.

In a letter to Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Rizwana urged immediate action to uncover the truth and ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The incident, which occurred on Friday night at Japan Garden City, left 10 dogs and one cat dead. Witnesses reported symptoms of poisoning, including convulsions, vomiting blood, and severe distress among the animals.

Animal rights activists and local residents alerted police, who reportedly recovered the remains of three dogs and one cat. However, it is alleged that the remains of seven other dogs were concealed by the authorities.

Rizwana cited the Animal Welfare Act 2019, which prohibits cruelty to animals, including poisoning, and wrote such acts are punishable by law.

She also referenced the City Corporation Act 2009, which designates city corporations as responsible for managing stray animals.

Dhaka North City Corporation has initiated an investigation into the matter.

In her letter, Rizwana Hasan described the killings as “a horrific act of cruelty towards innocent animals” and a blatant violation of the law.

She urged the livestock ministry to ensure a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.