Jaya Ahsan files HC writ seeking ban on illegal horse meat trade

Actor and animal welfare activist Jaya Ahsan, alongside the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation and AK Khan Healthcare Trust, has filed a public interest writ petition with the High Court seeking a ban on the illegal trade and sale of horse meat.

The writ was filed yesterday (May 11). Barrister Sakib Mahbub, Dr Cynthia Farid, and Advocate Sajid Hasan are expected to represent the petitioners during the hearing.

According to the petition, meat from sick animals has allegedly been fraudulently sold in markets as food for human consumption, posing serious public health risks.

The petitioners stated that despite repeated appeals to the relevant authorities, no effective action had been taken, prompting them to seek the court’s intervention.

The writ seeks a time-bound investigation into the illegal horse meat trade uncovered in Gazipur, action against those responsible, and instructions for submitting the investigation report to the High Court.

It also requests directives to formulate national guidelines within 60 days to prevent such activities, halt the auction of sick and confiscated horses, and establish sanctuaries for the treatment and rehabilitation of rescued animals.

According to the lawyers involved, a joint drive conducted in early November 2025 by the district administration, the Department of Livestock Services, RAB-1, and police uncovered an illegal slaughterhouse inside a cotton factory in Gazipur. Authorities reportedly rescued 36 sick horses, recovered the carcasses of eight slaughtered horses, and seized a large quantity of meat.

The rescued animals were allegedly suffering from malnutrition, infections, open wounds, and various diseases. Tests conducted by Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University reportedly detected antibiotic-resistant bacteria, parasitic infections, fungal contamination, and suspected tuberculosis.

The petition further alleged that the contaminated meat had been sold in markets disguised as beef, deceiving consumers.

Although authorities had earlier claimed to have shut down the operation, the petitioners alleged that no permanent solution had been implemented. A mobile court later declared the sale of horse meat in Gazipur prohibited.

According to the writ petition, no effective steps had been taken to identify or arrest those involved. After repeated letters to the relevant ministries reportedly yielded no results, the petitioners ultimately approached the High Court through a public interest litigation.