Dibrugarh: The Forest Department on Monday rescued a group of feral horses roaming through Dibrugarh town and relocated them to Sisu Chapori after no owners could be traced.
The rescue operation was carried out following reports of the horses wandering through the town, raising concerns about their safety and the risk of accidents.
Sharing the development on X, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the Forest Department acted promptly to rescue the animals.
“Acting promptly on reports of feral horses roaming through Dibrugarh town, our Forest Department safely rescued them to prevent any mishap. Despite efforts, so far no owner could be traced,” Baruah said.
He added that the horses had been relocated to Sisu Chapori to ensure their long-term safety and well-being.
“To ensure their long-term safety and well-being, all the rescued horses have now been relocated to Sisu Chapori, where they have access to ample grazing land, adequate fodder and a secure natural habitat,” the minister said.
The horses had been spotted in different parts of Dibrugarh over the past several days. Local residents said the animals likely moved into the town after flooding affected parts of Dhemaji and sand bars in the Dibrugarh region, forcing them out of their natural habitat.
The feral horses are believed to have descended from domesticated horses left behind during World War II. They now live in small herds across the floodplains and grasslands of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
Arnab Sharma, a resident of Dibrugarh, said the horses had been roaming through the town for several days.
“The horses have no owner. They have come out from their habitat due to floods. The government should take steps for their conservation,” Sharma said.