The silent suffering of stray animals

A heartbreaking tragedy recently unfolded in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, when several stray dogs and cats lost their lives after consuming poisoned food. These innocent animals, whose lives depended on the compassion and care of others, met with a cruel betrayal. The poisoned food they consumed was not an offering of kindness, but a deliberate act of violence. This incident highlights a larger, deeply troubling issue that deserves our attention: the widespread abuse and neglect faced by stray animals in Bangladesh.

Stray animals in urban areas, particularly in cities like Dhaka, are often left to fend for themselves. Abandoned by their owners or born in the urban wild, these animals rely heavily on the goodwill of humans to survive. They roam the streets in search of food, shelter, and protection. For them, each scrap of food can be a life-saving opportunity. But tragically, many fall victim to malicious individuals who see these animals as a nuisance or, worse, as targets for cruelty. The poisoned food consumed by the stray dogs and cats in Mohammadpur is not an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of the broader indifference and cruelty that many stray animals face daily.

While animal lovers and activists strive to provide shelter and care for strays, many view these creatures as nothing more than pests. This disregard for the welfare of animals is rooted in a lack of awareness about their needs and a failure to recognise animal sentience. Stray animals are living beings capable of experiencing pain, fear, and joy. They deserve compassion, respect, and humane treatment. The act of poisoning these animals is a cruel manifestation of the growing apathy towards animal welfare in our society.

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This cruelty is not only an ethical issue but a social one as well. The way we treat animals reflects our broader societal values. A society that tolerates or even encourages the abuse of vulnerable beings—whether they are human or animal—reveals a fundamental breakdown in empathy and compassion. The recent deaths of these stray animals in Mohammadpur should serve as a wake-up call. To build a society that values kindness and justice, we must start by extending that compassion to all living creatures, especially those with no voice of their own.

The need for stricter animal welfare laws is more urgent than ever. While some animal rights organisations and activists have called for justice following this incident, current laws and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient to protect stray animals from such heinous acts. Without stronger legal frameworks and better enforcement, the cycle of cruelty will continue. Advocates for animal rights stress the need for systemic change. Humane solutions, such as sterilisation programmes and adoption initiatives, are vital in curbing the overpopulation of stray animals and reducing the need for inhumane practices.

Sterilisation is a proven, ethical solution to the problem of stray animal overpopulation. Many cities around the world have adopted this approach, successfully reducing the number of strays without resorting to cruelty or euthanasia. In addition to sterilisation, adoption programmes can provide loving homes for stray animals, helping them escape lives of suffering on the streets. These programmes also create a sense of responsibility and compassion within communities and offer humane, effective, compassionate and sustainable solutions.

Besides legislative changes, we, as a society, must actively participate in the well-being of these animals. Compassionate citizens can make a difference by supporting animal welfare organisations, volunteering at shelters, or simply being mindful of their interactions with stray animals. A small act of kindness—whether offering food, water, or simply a safe space for a stray—can have a profound impact on their lives. More importantly, we must all advocate for stricter laws and better enforcement to protect animals from harm and abuse.

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One of the key issues that needs to be addressed is the public perception of stray animals. Often, these animals are seen as a nuisance, their lives viewed as expendable. This mindset must change. The public must be educated about the significance of animal welfare and the need for empathy towards stray animals. By fostering a culture of compassion, we can create a society where animals are treated with the respect they deserve, and cruelty is no longer tolerated.

The tragedy in Mohammadpur should not be forgotten as just another instance of cruelty. The incident should push us to examine our role in the lives of stray animals and our responsibility as a society to protect them. We cannot afford to ignore the suffering of these innocent beings any longer. Their lives matter, and we must start acting like they do.

Zaziratul Zannat is a public health scholar and humanitarian aid practitioner in a non-profit international organisation based in South Asia.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own. 

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