Arrest Warrant Issued for Cat Killing in Mohammadpur

Staff Reporter

A court in Dhaka has issued an arrest warrant against a resident of Mohammadpur’s Muktiyoddha Tower, Akbar Hossain Shiblu, for allegedly killing a pet cat by kicking it. The deceased cat belonged to another resident of the same building, Mansur.

Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Ishtiaq issued the order on Sunday following a hearing. Zakir Hossain, the plaintiff’s lawyer, confirmed the court’s directive.

The case was filed on February 5 by Nafisa Nawrin Chowdhury on behalf of the animal welfare organization, People for Animal Welfare (PAW). On the same day, the court directed Mohammadpur Police to investigate and submit a report, which implicated Akbar Hossain Shiblu.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on February 1 when Mansur’s cat went missing. CCTV footage revealed the accused kicking the cat multiple times like a football. Despite the cat becoming motionless, he ensured its death with further brutal actions.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, 2019, this act of cruelty was deemed a criminal offense, leading to the arrest warrant application.

In related incidents, in November 2023, 10 stray dogs and a cat were poisoned to death in Mohammadpur’s Japan Garden City, sparking outrage on social media. In 2017, two dogs and 14 puppies were buried alive in Rampura, Dhaka, resulting in a six-month jail sentence for the perpetrator in 2018.

Animal welfare organizations have called for stricter measures to prevent violence against animals.