MP Horse Death: Eight Mysterious Deaths In Five Days In Jabalpur Spark National Outcry, PETA Calls For Probe

A disturbing news from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has sent shockwaves among animal lovers, particularly equestrians, across the country. Eight out of fifty-seven racehorses mysteriously died within five days of being transported from Hyderabad to a village in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to reports, the horses belonged to prestigious breeds, including Thoroughbred, Kathiawari, and Marwari. They were transported by road to Raipura village between April 29 and May 5, 2025 and allegedly kept in substandard conditions at a private racecourse facility. Within days of their arrival, many horses began exhibiting signs of illness, with eight succumbing by May 13. Authorities suspect Glanders, a highly contagious and often fatal disease in horses, as the cause.

State veterinary officials have sent blood samples from all horses to the National Equine Research Centre in Hisar, Haryana, for testing. So far, 44 samples have tested negative, with results for the remaining horses still pending. Reports indicate that the horses were moved without essential inter-state medical clearance, impending health monitoring during transit.

Alarmed by the unfolding crisis, a three-member fact-finding team from Bhopal visited Raipura on May 17. Their report is expected to be submitted to the state government soon. To prevent further spread of disease, the district administration led by Collector Deepak Saxena has deployed a Rapid Response Team to monitor the health of the remaining horses. Collector Saxena also directed the Superintendent of Police to investigate the required approval documents for the horses' transport from Hyderabad and any negligence involved.

Meanwhile, animal rights activists led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the transportation and care of animals. Animal welfare organizations active in the region have also indicated plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding justice for the deceased horses and legal accountability.

"This is more than a case of animal cruelty, it may be the tip of an iceberg involving multi-layered scams," said a senior government official familiar with the matter, requesting anonymity. As the investigation unfolds, authorities face mounting pressure from the public and judiciary to hold those responsible for this tragedy and ensure such incidents are not repeated in the name of sport, commerce or entertainment.