44 Buffaloes Perish in Horrific Suffocation Incident on National Highway
In a distressing incident highlighting severe animal cruelty, as many as 44 buffaloes died of suffocation after being crammed into an overloaded canter transporting them from Moradabad to a slaughterhouse in Meerut. Police officials confirmed the tragic event on Friday, revealing shocking details about the transportation conditions.
Massive Overloading Beyond Legal Limits
The six-tyre canter, which was legally permitted to carry only six animals, was found transporting a staggering 78 buffaloes. The animals were stacked one over another in extremely cramped conditions, with their necks tightly tied with ropes and fastened to metal pipes. This brutal arrangement created an environment of extreme suffocation during transit, leading to the mass casualties.
Police Interception Reveals Horrific Scene
The incident came to light during a routine police check on the Delhi–Lucknow National Highway near Gajraula. Police officials Sudhir Kumar Tomar and Jogendra Singh were conducting vehicle inspections near Brijghat when they stopped the suspicious canter.
"When the driver produced purchase documents from the Moradabad animal market, everything seemed normal initially," explained a police officer involved in the interception. "But when we removed the tarpaulin covering the vehicle, we discovered the horrific reality—animals packed so tightly together that many were already unconscious and struggling to breathe."
Immediate Rescue Efforts and Investigation
The vehicle was immediately taken to a cowshed in Mohammadabad Mustakam village for proper inspection. Veterinary examination confirmed that 44 buffaloes had died due to suffocation caused by the extreme overcrowding and improper restraint methods.
The 34 surviving animals were rescued and shifted to an animal shelter in Amroha, where they received urgent medical care, along with proper fodder and water. Officials arranged for the carcasses of the deceased animals to be buried after digging an appropriate pit.
Multiple Arrests Under Animal Cruelty Laws
SHO Manoj Kumar confirmed that three men from Hapur—identified as Asif, Anas and Israr—were initially arrested under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. During subsequent questioning, two more accused from Hapur, Shoaib and Rehan, were also named and charged in connection with the incident.
"This represents a clear violation of both transportation regulations and basic animal welfare standards," emphasized a senior police official. "The extreme overloading and cruel restraint methods directly caused these unnecessary deaths, and we will pursue strict legal action against all responsible parties."
Broader Implications for Animal Transportation
The incident has raised serious questions about enforcement of animal transportation regulations in the region. With the vehicle carrying thirteen times its legal capacity, authorities are investigating how such extreme overloading could occur without earlier detection.
- The canter was legally permitted to transport only six animals but carried 78 buffaloes
- Animals were stacked vertically with necks tied to metal pipes
- 44 buffaloes confirmed dead from suffocation during transit
- 34 surviving animals rescued and provided medical care
- Five individuals from Hapur arrested under animal cruelty laws
Police have intensified vehicle checks along major transportation routes following this incident, with particular focus on animal transport vehicles. The case continues to develop as investigators gather additional evidence and statements from those involved in what authorities describe as one of the worst cases of animal transportation abuse recently documented in the region.
