A public interest litigation petition has been filed in the High Court by actress and animal welfare activist Jaya Ahsan, along with the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation and AK Khan Healthcare Trust, seeking a ban on the trade of horse meat in Bangladesh. The petition highlights serious concerns over animal welfare and public health, citing evidence of diseased horses being slaughtered and their meat fraudulently sold as beef. A joint operation in Gazipur uncovered an illegal slaughterhouse with critically ill horses and contaminated meat, posing significant health risks due to infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The petition demands urgent legal action, including a time-bound investigation, proper complaint handling, and the establishment of national guidelines within 60 days to prohibit the horse meat trade. It also calls for stopping auctions of sick and confiscated horses and creating sanctuaries for rescued animals. The petitioners argue that despite repeated appeals, authorities have failed to act effectively, necessitating High Court intervention to protect both animal welfare and public health.