Udalguri-Sonitpur, Aug. 4: Alleging a rise in cruelty against animals and the illegal trafficking of cattle, buffaloes and dogs across several districts of Assam, animal rights activist and journalist Priyamjyoti Phukan has urged police to dismantle the alleged interstate smuggling network operating in the state.
Phukan submitted a memorandum to Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka on July 17, seeking stringent action against animal cruelty and illegal trafficking. He also demanded justice in the alleged killing of a deer that had drifted into Ghunasuti village during the Subansiri floods on July 14, claiming the animal was beaten to death instead of being rescued.
The memorandum also highlighted alleged attacks on stray dogs in the Khelmati and Panigaon areas of Lakhimpur, where several animals were reportedly injured with sharp weapons or scalded with boiling water. Phukan described the incidents as violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
He further alleged that an interstate network involved in transporting stray dogs from Assam to Nagaland for the dog meat trade had become active again, claiming that more than 400 stray dogs had disappeared from Lakhimpur town. He also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of local youths in the trafficking network.
Phukan called for the dismantling of the alleged syndicate, stricter verification of transport documents in cattle markets, intensified police patrolling, CCTV monitoring, measures to prevent cattle theft and stronger action against the trafficking of dogs.
He also sought a departmental inquiry into the reported release of alleged dog traffickers arrested by Laluk Police in May 2026 and urged coordinated operations to dismantle the alleged interstate trafficking network and ensure strict legal action against those involved.
