Srinagar, May 19: A tourist from Mumbai has raised concerns over the alleged use of an injured horse for ferrying visitors to the Thajwas Glacier in Sonamarg, drawing renewed attention to animal welfare practices in Kashmir’s tourism sector.
The tourist, who identified herself as Videshaah, reportedly noticed the injured horse during her visit to the tourist resort in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and expressed shock over the animal’s condition.
She said the use of injured animals for tourism-related activities was unacceptable and called for strict action against those responsible.
The tourist later met Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Ganderbal, Dr Ajaz, and discussed the issue in detail. She also urged authorities to impose a complete ban on the use of injured horses for carrying tourists in Sonamarg.
She stressed the need for proper monitoring, regular veterinary check-ups and stronger welfare measures to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary suffering during tourism operations.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of horses used for tourist rides in the Sonamarg area, particularly during the peak tourism season when large numbers of visitors travel daily to Thajwas Glacier.
