Police Respond After Men Forcefully Make Horse Smoke Weed On Trek To Kedarnath Temple

The relationship between humans and animals has long been characterized by varying degrees of compassion, coexistence, and unfortunately, cruelty. While there have been positive strides toward animal welfare in recent years, it is disheartening to witness an alarming increase in cases of animal cruelty.

Unfortunately, as more people began to vacation in mountainous places, so does the amount of animal mistreatment. It is because some of the most often utilized modes of transportation in hilly locations include horses, donkeys, and mules. The saddening reality of domesticated animals in Uttarakhand has recently come to light, shedding light on their agonizing plight. Reports reveal that their operators neglected and physically abused animals employed to carry pilgrims on the Chardham Yatra.

Video of men forcing the horse to smoke weed on Kedarnath Temple trek goes viral

Horses along the Kedarnath trail are exposed to enormous workloads, are beaten with whips, and are even given drugs. Similarly, in a deeply unsettling incident captured on camera, two horse operators were observed forcefully exposing an animal to drugs.

The video, which went viral and attracted the attention of animal lovers and netizens, sparked worries not only for the safety of the visitors and pilgrims who depend on the animals but also for the well-being of the animals themselves.

#Uttrakhand Some people are making a horse smoke weed forcefully at the trek of Kedarnath temple.@uttarakhandcops @DehradunPolice @RudraprayagPol @AshokKumar_IPS
should look into this matter and find the culprit behind thispic.twitter.com/yyX1BNMiLk

— Himanshi Mehra 🔱 (@manshi_mehra_) June 23, 2023

The video shows a heartbreaking situation in which a horse tries to turn its head away from being fed weed. However, the offenders proceed unrelentingly. By forcing the roll almost into the animal’s nose and forcibly gripping and shutting its lips, they force the animal to take drugs. The act is not only inhumane but also raises serious health concerns for animals.

Due to this, the video went viral on Twitter, with people reacting to it in a mixed way. While the majority of people voiced displeasure over the video, others spoke about their same kind of experiences.

 

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A post shared by People For Animals (PFA) Uttarakhand | Virtually Adopt Animals! (@pfa.ukd)

Various celebrities and activists raised their voices against animal cruelty.

Apart from this, animal welfare expert Gauri Maulekhi shared distressing videos of animals used for transport in Kedarnath. She highlighted their painful suffering and called for urgent action. Maulekhi appealed to Prime Minister Modi and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene.

SOS #Kedarnath This horse fell while carrying pilgrims. It is now unable to stand up so his owner kicked him a few times and then left him to die.

Extremely weak and malnourished animals are routinely being sent on a death march.
⁦@DmRudraprayag⁩ help needed urgently. pic.twitter.com/NKtISLcLPI

— Gauri Maulekhi (@gauri_maulekhi) June 18, 2023

Actress Karishma Tanna also voiced concern, emphasizing the exploitation and abuse of thousands of horses used for public transportation.

 

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A post shared by Karishma Tanna Bangera (@karishmaktanna)

Uttarakhand Police also react to the video of forcing horses to smoke weed.

Upon the circulation of the video, the Uttarakhand Police responded via Twitter, expressing their commitment to investigate the matter thoroughly. They stated,

“We have taken cognizance of the viral video wherein a horse is forcefully given smoke. We are trying to identify the men in the video.”

The police also urged the public to promptly report any such horrific incidents, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. The police added,

“Appeal: Such incidents should be reported to the nearby police on duty or on 112 for immediate action.”

We have taken cognizance of the viral video wherein a horse is forcefully given smoke. We are trying to identify the men in the video.

Appeal: Such incidents should be reported to the nearby police on duty or on 112 for immediate action.

— उत्तराखण्ड पुलिस – Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) June 23, 2023

Their collective efforts draw attention to the plight of these animals, urging authorities to address the issue promptly and protect their welfare. Public awareness and outcry are vital in effecting change and promoting compassion towards animals.