In Lucknow, a buffalo calf tied in a cage as bait to catch a tiger died from suffocation

Lucknow: Buffalo Calf Dies After Being Used as Tiger Bait, Sparks Outrage

A heartbreaking incident has come to light from the outskirts of Lucknow, where a buffalo calf, tied inside a cage as bait to capture a tiger, tragically died of suffocation. The calf had been placed in the cage by forest officials as part of an operation to capture a tiger that had been roaming near human settlements.

According to eyewitnesses, the calf was tightly restrained within the cage, which was then left unattended for hours. The combination of stress, lack of ventilation, and the extreme conditions led to the calf’s untimely death. Residents in the area reported hearing the calf’s distressed cries before it fell silent, sparking concerns about the handling of such operations by forest authorities.

The tiger, believed to have strayed from its natural habitat into the region, had reportedly attacked livestock in nearby villages, prompting forest officials to take measures to capture it safely. However, the method of using live bait has now come under scrutiny, with animal welfare advocates calling the incident both inhumane and avoidable.

“This is sheer negligence. The use of live bait in 2024 is shocking, and to let the animal die in such a cruel manner is unacceptable,” said a representative of a local animal rights group.

Forest officials have stated that an internal inquiry has been launched to determine whether proper protocols were followed in the operation. A senior official expressed regret over the incident, assuring that efforts would be made to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The death of the calf has sparked outrage among locals and activists, many of whom are demanding stricter regulations on wildlife rescue operations to ensure no harm comes to bait animals. The tragedy has also reignited debates about the ethical treatment of animals in human-wildlife conflict scenarios, with many calling for alternative and more humane approaches to wildlife management.

For now, the focus remains on safely locating and capturing the tiger while addressing the concerns of local communities and animal rights groups alike.