The High Court on Saturday issued a rule and a series of directives to government authorities over their alleged failure to prevent the illegal slaughter of horses and the sale of horse meat, in a case that has raised serious concerns about animal cruelty, public health, and the protection of animal rights in Bangladesh.
The court also ordered authorities to investigate allegations of an illegal horse slaughter and horse meat trade uncovered in Gazipur in November 2025, take legal action against those responsible, and submit an investigation report before the court.
The court further directed the government to formulate and submit within 90 days a comprehensive national action plan and guidelines to prevent the horse meat trade across the country.
The authorities were also instructed to take immediate steps to prevent the auction, disposal, or transfer of horses rescued or confiscated during enforcement operations.
The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the orders after hearing a writ petition filed by Obhoyaronno–Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation, AK Khan Healthcare Trust, and animal welfare activist and acclaimed actress Jaya Ahsan.
The petition was moved by Supreme Court lawyer Saqeb Mahbub and assisted by Advocate Sajid Hassan.
The court issued a rule upon the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, asking them to explain why their failure to take effective measures to stop the illegal slaughter of horses and the processing, distribution, and sale of horse meat and diseased animal products should not be declared unlawful.
According to the petition, a joint operation conducted by the district administration, the Department of Livestock Services, Rapid Action Battalion, and police in Gazipur in November 2025 uncovered an illegal horse slaughter facility operating from a converted cotton factory.
Authorities reportedly rescued around 36 horses and recovered eight slaughtered horse carcasses, along with large quantities of meat prepared for sale and distribution.
The petitioners alleged that the rescued animals were found in extremely poor condition, suffering from severe malnutrition, untreated infections, tumors, open wounds, maggot infestations, and other serious illnesses. Many of the horses had allegedly been subjected to prolonged neglect and cruelty without access to adequate food, shelter, or veterinary care.
Veterinary examinations reportedly detected antibiotic-resistant bacteria, parasitic infestations, fungal contamination, and suspected tuberculosis infection among the animals, raising concerns over both animal welfare and public health.
The petition further stated that despite official orders to halt the practice and repeated representations to authorities, no effective steps were taken to identify and prosecute those involved in the illegal trade.
Obhoyaronno, which has been caring for rescued horses handed over by government authorities, also expressed concern over reports that sick and confiscated horses were being auctioned, potentially exposing them to renewed abuse, exploitation, or slaughter.
The petitioners argued that the continued failure to prevent such activities not only undermined existing laws but also reflected a broader absence of institutional safeguards for the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation.
