Cattle and Dog Smuggling to Bangladesh: BSF's Heroic Efforts

It is an act of unprecedented courage and commitment—BSF soldiers are putting their lives at risk to stop illegal smuggling of cows and dogs from India to Bangladesh. The issue was brought to wide notice the unending fight to get a rein on this illegal trade through which millions of innocent animals go across borders to slaughter houses year after year.

In Bangladesh, cows that cannot continue providing milk are usually slaughtered legally. However, with high demand for meat and leather, illegal smuggling of cows from India has also increased at a very alarming rate. People looking for quick profits engage in these activities, often disregarding the cruelty inflicted upon these animals. Some disturbing video clips that have gone viral on the internet show the harsh and inhumane conditions under which these cows are transported and slaughtered.

BSF has been on the forefront in curbing this illegal trade. The BSF soldiers have time and again shown their commitment towards thwarting smugglers despite huge risks. Once, a team of BSF soldiers intercepted a heavy convoy of smugglers trying to move cows across the border. Soldiers faced armed resistance, yet hundreds of cows could be saved, showing their bravery and dedication towards duty.

In Bengal, cattle are smuggled into Bangladesh by tying them to banana trees and crossing large rivers. This process involves binding the cows with ropes and navigating the river, highlighting the dangers and efforts involved in both cattle protection and smuggling prevention. Such methods underscore the lengths to which smugglers will go to transport animals illegally, making the BSF's task even more challenging

The scale of the issue is evident in a report released by the Press Information Bureau of India, which details the number of cattle seized by the BSF along the Indo-Bangladesh border over the past five years. According to the report:

• In 2016, a staggering 168,801 cattle were seized.
• In 2017, the number dropped to 119,299.
• In 2018, BSF seized 63,716 cattle.
• In 2019, the number slightly increased to 77,410.
• In 2020, 46,809 cattle were seized.

These figures highlight the persistent efforts of the BSF in tackling this issue, despite the varying numbers year by year. The decrease in seizures over the years suggests that continuous efforts are yielding some results, but the problem remains significant

PIB Report on Cow Smuggling

One of the major challenges to dissolve this issue is that the illegal slaughter of cows attracts very lenient penalties for the offense in India. The fines are only Rs 1000 or imprisonment up to two years. Such penalties are not much to dissuade the smugglers who often earn handsome revenue out of this illegal trade. There is without any doubt required much stringent law with more uglier penalties to overcome this issue and to save innocent animals.

On this very serious issue, organizations such as PETA have maintained a deafening silence. PETA itself is an organization that often claims to fight for animal rights but has not said much against the illegal smuggling of cows and dogs to Bangladesh. Its silence has led to accusatory remarks of hypocrisy since it seemed to ignore the plight of these animals while zealously pursuing other issues. The fact that PETA and other such organizations did not raise any vocal objections shows that much more consistent and committed approach is required for the advocacy of animal rights.

Awareness amongst masses about the cruelties involved in the smuggling of animals and the heroic moves by BSF soldiers are also very much necessary. With greater awareness comes greater public support for stronger laws and enforcement. The ethical treatment of animals and protection from exploitation must necessarily be promoted.

Though the fight against animal smuggling is still on, the bravery and dedication of BSF soldiers do give hope. While they are sacrificing their lives day in and day out for the innocent animals, the public and the government should support their work by making stricter laws and raising more awareness. That is when a society can be created where animals are treated with dignity and empathy.

Even after multiple tweets from various X handles [X screenshot credits to respective account holders], neither the Central Government nor the Government of West Bengal is ready to take any serious and strict action. In India, a place where cows are worshipped, some people are driven by greed to smuggle these sacred animals across borders for slaughter. This not only undermines the cultural and religious values of the nation but also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect these animals