In the heart of Bangladesh’s bustling streets and serene countryside, there exists a grim reality that is often overlooked – the suffering of stray dogs and cats due to inadequate animal cruelty laws. This negligence not only subjects innocent animals to abuse and mistreatment but also reflects poorly on our commitment as a society to protect those who cannot defend themselves. 

Animals are abused and tortured on streets and in markets, villages and zoos. People see it, film it, but justice rarely comes. These animals have no protection in practice, and those who harm them face little to no consequence.

Although Bangladesh does have animal protection legislation, including the Cruelty to Animals Act (1920), it is outdated and extremely weak in enforcement. Under this law, cruelty can carry a penalty of only a small fine or a short prison sentence, and in reality, prosecutions are rare. 

More recently, Bangladesh has introduced the Animal Welfare Act (2019), which reflects a more modern understanding of animal welfare. However, legal experts and researchers have noted that enforcement gaps, vague definitions, and limited institutional capacity have left animals effectively unprotected in many situations. 

As a result, stray animals remain exposed to daily suffering without reliable reporting systems, consistent enforcement, or meaningful deterrent punishments.

This is not just a legal issue. It is a moral one.

Stray dogs and cats are sentient beings who feel pain, fear, and distress. Many are simply born into the streets, dependent on human society that too often turns away from them in extreme, needless cruelty instead of basic compassion.

We are calling on the Government of Bangladesh to urgently reform and strengthen animal protection laws to reflect modern standards of animal welfare and humanity.

📌 We demand the following urgent changes:

1. Stronger Animal Cruelty Laws

• Replace outdated legislation with a comprehensive, modern Animal Welfare and Protection Act
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• Clearly define cruelty to include beating, poisoning, drowning, burning, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment

2. Real Punishment for Abuse

• Meaningful jail sentences for severe cruelty cases
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• Heavy fines that actually deter offenders
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• Criminal records for convicted abusers

3. National Reporting System

• A dedicated animal cruelty hotline
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• Online reporting system with evidence submission
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• Fast response investigation teams in major cities

4. Enforcement and Accountability

• Training for police and local authorities on animal cruelty cases
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• Mandatory investigation of reported abuse
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• Transparency in case outcomes

5. Public Education and Awareness

• National campaigns in schools and communities about animal welfare
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• Education on humane treatment of animals
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• Encouraging compassion toward strays

6. Humane Stray Animal Management

• Expansion of vaccination and sterilisation programmes
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• Support for rescue shelters and NGOs working on the ground

 

💔 Why this matters

No animal should suffer the way many stray dogs and cats currently do.

These animals are often:

• Burned for simply existing near homes
• Poisoned in groups
• Drowned in rivers or canals
• Beaten or stoned for entering residential areas
• Left injured on roads without help

A society is judged by how it treats those who cannot defend themselves. Right now, these animals have no voice and very little protection.

This petition is a call for compassion, responsibility, and legal change.

We urge the authorities of Bangladesh to act now, before more lives are lost in silence.

✍️ Call to Action

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Bangladesh to urgently strengthen and enforce animal cruelty laws, create effective reporting systems, and ensure that stray dogs and cats are protected from abuse, torture, and killing.

No society should accept this level of suffering in silence.

Please support this petition and help push Bangladesh toward stronger, enforceable animal protection laws.