A distressing video from Kolkata showing a severely dehydrated and undernourished horse collapsing from heatstroke ignited public outrage on social media. The incident has sparked a debate over the treatment of working animals in India, particularly in cities where harsh weather conditions and lack of enforcement of animal welfare laws continue to threaten their well-being.
The clip was posted by animal rights group PETA India and shows the horse being beaten and dragged by its handler even after collapsing.
Sharing the video on X, PETA India highlighted the need to stop practices where animals are forced to work under such harsh conditions. “Horses who are severely underweight, dehydrated, and in pain are not a tourist attraction. Respected @MamataOfficial, @SwapanDebnath98, @KolkataPolice, please send the horse to a sanctuary & replace cruel horse-drawn carriages with e-vehicles,” the animal rights group wrote.
Horses who are severely underweight, dehydrated, and in pain are not a tourist attraction.
Respected @MamataOfficial, @SwapanDebnath98, @KolkataPolice, please send the horse to a sanctuary & replace cruel horse-drawn carriages with e-vehicles. #SaveKolkataHorses https://t.co/Xr0nP0DW6e
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) May 1, 2025
Following the public outrage and PETA’s complaint, Kolkata Police shared that the horse handler has been booked.
“Over the incident, Bhowanipore PS has registered the FIR on 24.04.2025 Ref: Case No. 90/25 under proper sections of law of BNS & PCA Act on PETA’s complaint. Appropriate legal action is being taken against the accused person involved,” the Kolkata Police wrote on X.
The police also said that the horse is under medical supervision and receiving regular veterinary care.
Over the incident, Bhowanipore PS has registered the FIR on 24.04.2025 Ref : Case No. 90/25 under proper sections of law of BNS & PCA Act on PETA’s complaint. Appropriate legal action is being taken against the accused person involved. The horse is under medical care with regular… https://t.co/2x3CPqpOWQ
— Kolkata Police (@KolkataPolice) April 30, 2025
Reacting to the post, PETA India shared an update, saying, “A dehydrated and emaciated horse suffered a heatstroke and collapsed in Kolkata, as the handler slapped and yelled at the horse. We commend the @kolpolice for registering an FIR following a PETA India complaint.”
“Nobody should have to endure such cruelty!” it added.
Meanwhile, Actor Pooja Bhatt also shared the video on social media, urging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee to immediately put a ban on the use of horse-drawn carriages.
“Heartbreaking. A horse collapses on Kolkata’s streets from heat & exhaustion & is pushed to continue. Hon @MamataOfficial @KolkataPolice @SwapanDebnath98 @derekobrienmp Beseech you’ll ban these cruel horse-drawn carriages & switch to humane, progressive e-carriages,” she wrote.
Several social media users commented on the post, demanding punishment for people who use animals without taking care of their health.
“This is damn cruel! Are they even feeding the horses?” wrote one X user. “So cruel and heartless .. such people should be punished without mercy,” a person commented.
“So sad and inhumane, the horse owner should be punished to use animals without feeding them enough water and food OR FOR NOT CARING FOR ANIMAL HEALTH,” another wrote.
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