A horrific act of animal cruelty has sent shockwaves through Howrah, West Bengal, after five helpless puppies were burned to death on a cold Friday night. The incident, which occurred in the Hatpukur area under the Jagacha police station, has ignited widespread outrage and led to massive protests by local residents and animal lovers demanding swift punishment for the perpetrators.
The Gruesome Incident: A Cry in the Cold Met with Fire
According to senior officers from Howrah City Police, the tragedy unfolded over several days. A mother dog and her litter of puppies had been crying incessantly due to the severe cold wave. Their cries, a natural reaction to the harsh weather, allegedly annoyed some residents of a nearby apartment complex. In a brutal response, around four men reportedly poured petrol from their vehicles onto the puppies and set them ablaze. The mother dog also suffered injuries in the fire while trying to protect her young.
Outrage and Action: Protests and Police Investigation
The news of the burning sparked immediate and intense anger. By Saturday afternoon, a massive protest was staged by animal lovers at the site. The incident was brought to public attention by Subhasish Paul and his wife Swapna, founders of the local animal welfare organisation Mamatamoyee Maa. They demanded strict action against the culprits and took responsibility for the care and treatment of the injured mother dog.
Representatives from several other animal welfare and social service organisations soon arrived at the scene. Formal complaints were filed at the Jagacha police station, prompting an immediate investigation. The police recovered the charred bodies of the five puppies and sent them for autopsy to gather forensic evidence.
A Pattern of Cruelty and Calls for Justice
Local resident Debashish Mondal revealed that this was not an isolated act of violence. He stated that residents of the particular apartment complex had frequently targeted stray dogs, cats, and bulls in the area, indicating a disturbing pattern of behavior.
The political establishment also reacted strongly. Local legislator and minister Arup Roy expressed profound shock at the news and instructed the police to quickly apprehend and punish those responsible. The police have identified the individuals involved through CCTV footage from the area and are actively working to locate them, as they remain at large.
Subhasish Paul, heartbroken by the event, stated, "Such inhumane acts cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. I am an animal lover myself. Our organisation regularly provides food and medical care for dogs and cats. We have also arranged blankets for stray animals in this cold. I cannot hold back my tears after learning about this cruel incident."
The investigation at Jagacha police station is ongoing, with the entire community watching closely. The incident has raised urgent questions about empathy, legal enforcement against animal cruelty, and the safety of stray animals in urban spaces.
