A rescued pony, previously abandoned and struggling with severe health issues, was saved from the bustling traffic in Kharagpur
KHARAGPUR: A 7- to 8-year-old skewbald pony found limping through traffic on Kharagpur’s Malancha Road with severely overgrown hooves and other painful health conditions has been rescued and transported to an Animal Rahat sanctuary for veterinary care and rehabilitation. The rescue was carried out following action by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India), with assistance from West Midnapore district magistrate Bijin Krishna; Superintendent of Police Papiya Sultana; Kharagpur sub-divisional officer Bhuvana Pranith Pappula; Kharagpur Animal Resources Development department deputy director Chinmoy Chakraborty; Kharagpur Town Police Station inspector-in charge Amit Kumar Mitra; and local animal advocate Sudebi Bhattacharya. The operation also received support from Members of Parliament June Maliah and Sayani Ghosh.
On July 7, 2026, PETA India appealed for horse-drawn tourist carriages in Kolkata to be replaced with heritage-style electric carriages. In an order dated May 9, 2024, it directed the state government to develop a proposal to rehabilitate horse-carriage owners so that replacing horse-drawn carriages, as done in Mumbai, can be considered.
This rescue shows what can be achieved when authorities, animal protection groups, and citizens act together,” said Maliah. “This abandoned pony is yet another victim of the joyride industry. “I thank PETA India for never giving up on this pony and Animal Rahat for housing the pony and all the officials led by DM Bijin Krishna and SP Sultana for their prompt intervention in the rescue operation. I urge the public to help other ponies by choosing animal-free forms of entertainment. ” The Calcutta High Court has taken note of the poor condition of horses, the prevalence of unlicensed hackney carriages, and the abandonment of ailing animals.