High Court issues rule on horse meat consumption following Jaya Ahsan’s writ

The High Court on Sunday (June 7) issued a rule asking the authorities to explain whether horse meat is legally permissible for human consumption and what measures have been taken to curb its commercial use in the country.

The court also directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive national guideline and action plan within 90 days to regulate the commercial use of horse meat and address related public health and animal welfare concerns.

The order came in response to a writ petition filed by actress Jaya Ahsan, seeking judicial intervention over allegations that sick and unfit horses were being fraudulently processed and marketed as food for human consumption.

According to the petition, filed on May 11, previous complaints submitted to government authorities failed to prompt effective legal action, prompting the petitioners to seek relief from the High Court.

The writ sought directives for the disposal of earlier complaints submitted to ministries concerned, initiation of necessary legal proceedings, and a time-bound investigation into an alleged illegal horse meat trade uncovered in Gazipur. It also requested that the investigation report be submitted before the court.

The petitioners further urged the court to order the formulation of a national guideline and action plan within 60 days to prevent similar practices, halt the auction of confiscated and sick horses, and establish appropriate facilities or sanctuaries for the care and rehabilitation of rescued animals through a Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation.

According to the petition, failure to immediately stop the alleged trade could pose a serious threat to public health while allowing continued cruelty toward animals.