March 19, Kathmandu – A video showing two horses being brutally beaten in Laligurans Municipality, Tehrathum, has gone viral on social media. The footage depicts a horse owner violently striking the animals with a stick because they were not walking properly. At one point, a woman attempts to take the stick away from him, and he reacts angrily, trying to hit her as well. Locals report that municipal police were present at the scene but did not intervene, prompting outrage on social media over their inaction.
What does Arjun Mabohang, the Municipality Chief, say? Following the viral video, a phone interview was conducted with Arjun Mabohang, Chief of Laligurans Municipality. He confirmed that the day after the incident, authorities questioned the person who beat the horses. “We have taken a formal statement,” Mabohang said. “The police arrested the suspect the following day and preparations are underway to file charges.” According to Mabohang, the individual claimed he struck the horses after they tried to bite him. The mayor also emphasized the role of the municipal police, stating, “They must exercise restraint and intervene in incidents like this. I have previously urged to stop cruelty towards animals; coordination is needed once again.”
Mabohang described the suspect as a man in his mid-50s. “The horses were tired, and he must have been tired as well. However, this does not justify beating a horse for not walking,” he said. “We must understand that horses also get tired, not only humans.”
What penalties apply? In Nepal, animal cruelty is punishable under the Animal Offense and Punishment Act. This law criminalizes causing unnecessary pain, violence, or inhumane treatment toward animals. If proven, the offender may face fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, failure to fulfill responsibilities for animal protection or negligence can lead to legal action. Consequently, incidents like beating horses are punishable offenses, and the responsible individual will face appropriate penalties after investigation.
