Legal notice issued over dog thrown to crocodile

A Supreme Court lawyer has issued a legal notice to the government, seeking action within three days against those allegedly involved in an incident where a dog was thrown to a crocodile at a shrine in Bagerhat.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 8, was captured on video showing a crocodile dragging the dog underwater.

Social media users claimed the dog’s legs were tied and that it was intentionally thrown into
Hasan Shahriyar sent the notice to senior government officials, including secretaries of the Cabinet Division, Home Ministry, Local Government Ministry, Finance Ministry, the NBR chairman, the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, and the chief controller of imports and exports.The notice calls for immediate action to prevent animal cruelty and highlights growing concern over such incidents.It also proposes 21 measures to be implemented within 30 days, including amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2019 to ensure stricter punishment and faster trials for cruelty cases.Other recommendations include removing VAT and taxes on imported pet food and animal-related supplies, establishing animal burial grounds in every union parishad and city area, and ensuring 24-hour veterinary emergency services in government hospitals with free vaccinations.The lawyer also suggested forming a National Animal Welfare Authority to oversee enforcement and licensing, along with creating a special task force dedicated to preventing animal cruelty nationwide.The notice warns that if the government fails to act within the stipulated time, a writ petition will be filed with the High Court seeking further directives.