Kapasia locals come together to protect 13 stray puppies from winter cold

Thirteen puppies left without their mothers after two stray dogs were reportedly killed in Kapasia Bazar of Gazipur have found unexpected care from local residents during the ongoing cold spell.

The puppies were first noticed shivering in the open in the kitchen market area. Timber trader Rubel Mia, 45, of Khodadia village in Kapasia upazila, stepped in and began caring for them.

“I don’t know who killed the mother dogs, and I don’t want to blame anyone,” Rubel told The Daily Star. “But killing a mother dog and leaving behind small puppies is cruel.”

For nearly a month, Rubel has been feeding the puppies rice, fish and meat. Unable to support all 13 on his own, he kept six at his home and brought seven to the bazar area, where locals have joined in caring for them.

At night, local cook Milon Mia covers the puppies with jute sheets so they can huddle together and stay warm. Others bring food and regularly check on them.

“We are all feeding these seven puppies together now,” said Kamal Hossain, a businessman in Kapasia Bazar. “They are doing fine.”

Kapasia Upazila Livestock Officer Dr AKM Atiqur Rahman said killing or removing stray dogs, including puppies, is punishable under the Animal Act, and legal action can be taken if a complaint is filed.