Allegations have resurfaced that dogs are being illegally captured in Rangamati and smuggled to India’s Mizoram state for meat consumption, triggering renewed fear among pet owners across the district.
Residents say the practice has continued for years, yet their appeals for administrative intervention have brought little visible result.
Pet owners in Rangamati town and surrounding upazilas report a growing sense of panic, fearing their animals could be stolen at any time and trafficked across the border.
Local sources claim that a cross-border network involving individuals from Rangamati and Mizoram captures several thousand dogs annually. Each animal is reportedly sold for Tk10,000 to Tk12,000.
The dogs are allegedly rounded up from different areas and transported by engine-driven trawler boats across Kaptai Lake before being moved towards the Bangladesh–India border.
Members of the alleged trafficking network reportedly insist that only stray dogs are taken, not owned pets. However, several residents dispute this claim, saying pet dogs have also gone missing.
In Battapara area of Langadu Upazila, witnesses said dogs were being caught using a rope-and-pole device designed to restrain animals by the neck. After capture, the dogs were tied inside trawlers before being transported by river. Residents allege that repeated attempts to stop the group have proved ineffective.
Dog meat consumption is reported in parts of Mizoram during certain traditional spring festivals, and it is also known to be consumed in parts of Nagaland. Locals allege that because dog meat is not consumed in Bangladesh, animals are sourced from the three hill districts and smuggled into Mizoram for sale.
Pet owners express fear and frustration
Residents allege that both Bangladeshi and Indian nationals are involved in the network. They argue that stronger administrative action could prevent further losses.
Zina Chakma of Rangamati town said her pet dog went missing in 2021. She later joined others in apprehending suspected traffickers in the Reserve Bazaar area of the town and believes her dog had been in their possession.
She alleged that individuals from across the border enter Bangladesh each year to capture dogs, causing repeated distress for pet owners.
“We have to remain alert, and the authorities must also act, as this happens every year,” she said.
Rohit Chakma, a resident of Banarupa in Rangamati town, said two of his pet dogs were stolen in 2020 and 2021. Despite searching extensively, he could not recover them.
He alleged that a coordinated group from Bangladesh and Mizoram carries out the activity, targeting dogs for sale in Mizoram.
Shafique Islam of Langadu said he rushed to a location after hearing that several dogs were being caught.
“I saw them taking my dog away. After arguing with them, I managed to get it back,” he said, adding that administrative measures are necessary.
Officials respond
On 23 February, residents reported that between 20 and 30 dogs were captured in Battapara of Langadu and transported by engine-driven trawler, sparking widespread discussion on social media.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi said she was not aware of specific locations where dogs were being captured or smuggled and advised contacting the municipal authorities for further details.
Rangamati District Livestock Officer Dr Moinul Islam Chowdhury said discussions had been held with the upazila nirbahi officer after receiving information about alleged illegal dog capture in Langadu.
He expressed hope that further illegal activities of this nature could be prevented through administrative coordination.
