Stray dogs hunted for 'meat' in Rangamati

KHAGRACHHARI, Feb 23 (bdnews24.com): A group has been hunting stray dogs in Rangamati, claiming the animals are being captured for meat despite clear legal prohibitions.

On Saturday morning in Langadu Upazila, at least five men were seen trapping several dogs in specially made bamboo snares and dragging them away in a brutal manner.

At least 20 dogs caught from Baitta Para and nearby areas were later loaded onto a motorised boat tied at a ghat near the Forest Department office in Maini.

Those involved in the incident identified themselves as members of the Pangkhua community.

One of the hunters said they had travelled from Barkal Upazila and had captured the dogs to slaughter and eat them.

He explained that the animals would be transported through Kattali Beel in Kaptai Lake to the Pangkhua village of Alamba in Barkal.

A Rangamati resident and member of the Pangkhua community, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the individuals seen were from the community.

He suggested they may have acted without full awareness of the law.

The administration has warned them not to repeat such actions, he said, adding that if it happens again, legal consequences will follow.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2019, hunting or killing ownerless dogs or any other animal is a punishable offence.