Wild animals poisoned with banned pesticides in Chuadanga

Several wild animals, including foxes, a civet, a mongoose, and a pet dog, were poisoned with banned Furadan pesticide in Chuadanga, allegedly by a farmer. 

The incident occurred in Dinanathpur village of Makhaldanga union recently. 

Speaking to The Business Standard today (26 January), Chuadanga Forest Department official Rakib Uddin said, "Faruk Hossain, a farmer in Dinanathpur village, used banned Furadan pesticide to poison wild animals in his maize field. 

"Claiming the animals damaged his crops, he placed the pesticide-laced bait in the field, leading to the deaths of several animals, including 5-7 foxes, one civet, one mongoose, and a pet dog. Wildlife frequently moved through the open field, making them vulnerable to the bait."

"Legal action will be taken against the accused. A team from the Khulna Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department is coming to Chuadanga to collect samples from the site. Following this, a formal complaint will be lodged with the local police station against the person involved in the incident," the official added.

Chuadanga Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Mostafizur Rahman said they are aware of the matter and will send a team if the Forest Department seeks assistance. 

He emphasised that killing animals is a punishable offence, and such actions cannot be justified.

Environmental activist Bakhtiar Hamid said the incident came to light after spreading on social media. Upon visiting the site and speaking with locals, they confirmed the animals were poisoned and buried. 

He urged authorities to arrest the perpetrators promptly and bring them under legal accountability.