A legal case has been filed regarding the poisoning of dogs at the Japan Garden City Housing Complex on 22 November.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mostafizur Rahman recorded the plaintiff's statement and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident on Sunday (4 January).
Several members of the Japan Garden City Committee have been implicated in the case.
According to the complaint, as stated by the plaintiff's lawyer, several dogs were allegedly killed by poisoning on 22 November 2024, with three found dead on that day.
Reports of seven dogs and a cat dying within a short timeframe sparked protests that continued late into the night.
The accused acknowledged the deaths of four dogs and a cat but denied the allegations of poisoning, calling for an investigation to determine the actual cause of death.
In response to the escalating tension, the entrance to Japan Garden City was closed on 23 November, leaving only the main exit gate open for movement.
The incident has stirred widespread discussions, prompting an inspection by the Health Department of Dhaka City Corporation.
Officials engaged with leaders of the Flat Owners' Welfare Association and animal rights advocates during the visit.
Rakibul Haque Amil filed the lawsuit on behalf of four animal welfare organisations in Bangladesh: Stella Animal Welfare Foundation, Deep Ecology and Snake Conservation Foundation, Obhoyaronno – Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation, and People for Animal Welfare Foundation (PAW).
Zakir Hossain, representing the plaintiff, stated that actor Kazi Nawshaba Ahmed, the coordinator of PAW, had previously lodged a written complaint with Adabor police, seeking legal action over the killings.
Due to insufficient action, a case was filed under sections 428 and 506 of the Bangladesh Penal Code of 1860.
The court underscored the necessity of prosecuting those responsible for the killings and tasked the PBI with ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
Rakibul, chairperson of the People for Animal Welfare Foundation, remarked, "There is no doubt the dogs were poisoned, and a crime was committed. With a veterinary officer conducting the examination and autopsy, alongside CID forensics, we are hopeful that the PBI's investigation will reveal the true perpetrators behind these allegations."
