Kolkata: A severely emaciated young mare, found in a near-dead condition under the Hastings flyover near the Maidan, has triggered an FIR by PETA India, exposing yet another instance of alleged cruelty linked to the city's horse-drawn carriage trade. The animal died within hours of rescue, marking the 13th reported horse death in the Maidan area over the past year.
On Tuesday, PETA India representatives found the 4-year-old skewbald mare lying motionless and critically ill. When alerted, the owner allegedly claimed the horse was "just sleeping".
According to PETA, the mare showed no reflexes, had lost sensation in her limbs, and suffered from a severely damaged, maggot-infested left eye, along with infections, dehydration, and extreme malnourishment.
Despite efforts to treat her, the mare died early the next morning.
An FIR (No. 48/2026) has been registered at Maidan PS under multiple BNS sections, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
PETA India says the case reflects a broader pattern of neglect. Data compiled with the CAPE Foundation indicates that at least 12 horses died or were severely injured in 2024-25 due to alleged abuse by carriage operators. Horses used for tourist rides are often found collapsed, overworked, and abandoned.
PETA India policy associate Chumki Dutta asked, "How many more horses must die before the transition to horse-free, heritage-style electric carriages — a move that would protect animals and safeguard livelihoods?"