At least 47 goats suffocated in a passenger bus cargo compartment, prompting fines for negligence and renewed concern over cruel livestock transport practices and weak animal welfare enforcement.
At least 47 goats died from suffocation while being transported in the cargo compartment of a passenger bus from Lalmonirhat to Laxmipur on Friday, authorities said.
The incident occurred when the animals were crowded into the lower cargo section of the bus, exposed to high temperatures and insufficient ventilation, leading to the tragic loss. Alongside these, eight additional goats belonging to another trader from Noakhali were also transported in the same compartment.
In response, a mobile court fined the bus supervisor, Md. Abul Hashem, and the owner of the goats, businessman Md. Faruk, Tk 5,000 each for negligence and cruelty to animals. The court, led by Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Cathowai Prue Marma, emphasized that both parties were warned against such practices in the future. The deceased animals were buried on-site to prevent health hazards.
Md. Faruk, whose animals perished in the incident, estimated the financial loss at nearly Tk 10 lakh. He said that he had been transporting goats in this manner for the past two years and charged around Tk 300 per goat for the transport service. He expressed his intention to pursue legal action against the bus operator and supervisor.
Veterinary Surgeon Sohel Rana from Sadar Upazila Livestock Office noted that the fine was imposed for “cruel treatment” of animals, highlighting the growing concern over livestock welfare during transportation in Bangladesh.
This incident draws attention to animal welfare standards in the country, raising questions about transportation regulations for livestock in hot and crowded conditions.
