Due to the intense heat, the ox, tired from working all day, was unable to pull the plow. Physically weak and unable to move properly, the ox continued to receive blows from a stick. Unable to even shake its legs due to exhaustion, the ox collapsed to the ground. Despite this, no relief was given. The person plowing dug a pit in front of the ox’s face, covered it with soil to the point that the ox’s face was buried — making breathing extremely difficult. How painful and inhumane this treatment must have been for the exhausted ox.
The individual responsible for this cruel act is Jaliram Thapamagar, a local from Pyuthan, who recorded and posted the incident on social media. His profile lists Pyuthan as his permanent residence. The reason behind Jaliram Thapamagar’s actions during the plowing remains unclear from the video. However, the caption accompanying the image reads, ‘If we had asked AI to teach, it would have been a tower.’ In recent times, various acts of animal cruelty have been frequently documented and gone viral on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, capturing widespread public attention.
Scenes such as dogs being given alcohol, oxen being beaten on their reproductive organs, and monkeys kept in cages to be bitten by dogs are commonly shared. Despite these widespread reports, no effective legal action against animal cruelty has been implemented so far. Only recently, the Nepal Police released a public appeal through social media urging people to be mindful of animal protection during the hot season, especially advising against activities such as plowing, tying animals under direct sun, or forcing them to carry heavy loads during peak summer.
This incident took place in Pyuthan, with Jaliram Thapamagar identified as the offender. What potential legal consequences might he face? According to the Muluki Criminal Code 2075 (Nepali calendar), cruel or inhumane treatment towards animals is criminalized. Abandoning sick or elderly domestic dogs on the streets is also considered an offense. Any such violence can be immediately reported to the police. Offenders may face imprisonment up to three months and fines up to NPR 5,000.
Additionally, under the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, 2073, anyone torturing or abusing animals faces up to three months in prison or a fine of up to NPR 5,000, or both. If an animal is cruelly killed, harsher punishments apply, including imprisonment and fines. Rights activists working for animal welfare have emphasized these provisions.
