In a shocking incident in Durgapur village of Bakerganj upazila in Barishal, a dog was cruelly tied, hanged from a tree, and beaten to death in broad daylight. Witnesses described the perpetrators, believed to be a group of youths, treating the gruesome act as a form of entertainment, devoid of any compassion. The main offender was fined a mere Tk 5,000, while three other minors involved were released on bond.
A distressing video of the incident was shared by Mozammel Hossain Mohon, a local civic activist, capturing the brutal scene. However, the lack of public outcry and media attention following the incident was deafening, highlighting the prevailing apathy towards animal cruelty in the country.
Despite such atrocities, Bangladesh has legislation in place to address animal welfare concerns. The Animal Welfare Act of 2019, a progressive replacement for the outdated Cruelty to Animals Act of 1920, recognizes animals as sentient beings deserving protection. The recent incident in Bakerganj clearly violates the provisions outlined in sections 6 and 7 of the 2019 act, categorizing such acts as criminal offenses.
Under section 16 of the law, first-time offenders could face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both. However, in this case, the main perpetrator was penalized with a reduced fine, and no arrests were made, raising questions about accountability and enforcement.
The issue of animal cruelty often goes unaddressed due to systemic and cultural factors. Law enforcement tends to trivialize such cases, lacking dedicated units for animal protection, and investigations rarely progress without external pressure. Additionally, societal attitudes towards animals, especially strays, as mere nuisances contribute to the lack of empathy and accountability.
It is crucial not to downplay such acts of violence as they can have far-reaching implications. Research has linked animal abuse to subsequent human violence, underscoring the importance of taking a firm stance against cruelty. Allowing perpetrators to go unpunished normalizes violence and disregards the value of life, both animal and human.
While some may argue for stronger laws and penalties, the real issue lies in the enforcement and cultural mindset. The community’s collective responsibility to condemn and address acts of cruelty is pivotal in fostering a more compassionate society.
Efforts are underway by local authorities to apprehend the culprits in the Bakerganj case. It remains to be seen whether tangible actions will be taken or if the incident will fade into obscurity. This time, it is imperative not to turn a blind eye. Let this incident serve as a wake-up call to uphold justice and compassion for all living beings.