Man arrested in Bogura for hacking stray dog, throwing it into drain
Police arrested Md Swapan, a furniture shop owner last night for allegedly hacking a stray dog with a sharp weapon and throwing it into a drain in Bogura town's Kanchgari area. He is scheduled to appear before a Bogura court on Tuesday (30 June) following a lawsuit filed over the animal cruelty incident.
The case was filed on Monday by Md Emran Hossain, convening member of the Bogura branch of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association (BAWA).
According to the first information report (FIR), Emran Hossain went to an alley west of Independent Hospital in Kanuchgari after receiving a phone call on Monday afternoon. There, he found a black-and-white stray dog lying seriously injured in a roadside drain.
With the assistance of two local residents, SM Sadikul Islam and Rafid Yasad, the animal was rescued and taken to a veterinary clinic in Jalesharitola for treatment.
Bogura Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Ibrahim Ali said, "Swapan has been arrested in connection with the complaint. He will be produced before the court after due legal process.”
Adnan Azad, convenor of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association, said incidents of cruelty against animals continue despite the country's existing laws.
"We have filed the case seeking legal redress. The law enforcement agencies have responded sincerely and are taking the matter forward," he said.
The complainant said that, after being informed of the incident, officials from the Upazila Livestock Office and a joint veterinary team from the District Livestock Department treated the injured dog. The animal's condition reportedly improved following treatment.
The FIR further alleges that inquiries at the scene indicated that the accused had struck the stray dog with a sharp object, causing severe injuries. It also states that filing the complaint was delayed because those involved were occupied with arranging treatment for the animal and consulting leaders of the organisation before approaching the police.