𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬

…𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒑 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂

By Kezang Choden

Residents of Gangtey Gewog in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag continue to face significant challenges caused by the increasing number of stray horses in the area. The unattended animals damage crops, disrupt daily life, and pose risks to people and livestock. School children feel unsafe walking to and from school due to the unpredictable behaviour of the horses, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.

Tourism, a key source of income in Gangtey, has also been affected. Tourists, especially those visiting to see the scenic valley and the endangered black-necked cranes, are often startled by the sudden appearance of horses on roads and footpaths. Adding to these concerns is the issue of disposing of dead horses. Residents say they are left to manage carcasses, which raise health risks and fears of disease outbreaks.

Without a proper system for removing animal remains, locals worry about sanitation and environmental hazards. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities, no concrete action has been taken. Many have suggested building a designated shelter or identifying horse owners to hold them responsible.

Kinley Gyeltshen, Gup of Gangtey Gewog, said the problem has persisted since the second Local Government and has been raised during Dzongkhag Tshogdu sessions. “The horses scratch cars, block roads, and pose a direct threat to tourists and commuters, which has led to numerous complaints,” he said. He also expressed concern about the impact on tourism, a vital income source for the community.

The Gup added that residents have been burying dead horses voluntarily to prevent health risks. “Leaving carcasses unattended could create serious health hazards,” he said. He further said the gewog administration and the public are exhausted from managing this recurring issue and warned it could worsen without timely intervention. The lack of shelters or management systems for the stray animals continues to exacerbate the problem. He appealed to higher authorities to address the issue seriously and urgently, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to protect both residents and visitors.

A health official from Gangtey Hospital highlighted the public health risks from the rising number of horse deaths. “We are witnessing an alarming increase in horse deaths,” the official said. They warned that carcasses can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, leading to diseases such as anthrax, tetanus, and botulism. Improper disposal may also contaminate water sources, attract predators, and endanger people and livestock.
The official urged the community to report any sick or dead horses immediately to health or veterinary authorities. Residents are advised to avoid contact with carcasses, keep children away from affected areas, and follow proper disposal practices under expert guidance.

Sonam Tobgay, Experience Coordinator at Gangtey Lodge, described the problem as worsening during the summer rainy season when large groups of horses roam freely. He said the sight of dead horses in open pastures has become common, with carcasses left unattended, causing strong odours and health risks. Despite voluntary efforts by the gewog administration and some residents to manage disposal, the problem persists. Sonam also mentioned incidents where stray horses have attacked children and young animals, increasing fear among locals, especially parents and herders. The animals often block roads and damage vehicles, threatening the peaceful environment that attracts tourists.

Resident Tshering Gyeltshen shared concerns about winter deaths due to extreme cold, lack of shelter, and food shortages. “The remains are left in open spaces, attracting stray dogs and crows that scatter them near homes,” he said. Vultures have been seen dropping flesh onto rooftops, causing distress for families and raising the risk of disease transmission. “Decomposed remains and animals feeding on them can carry infections,” he warned.
Residents have repeatedly complained to local authorities for proper disposal and better management of the stray horse population. Without a sustainable solution, many fear the problem will worsen, posing greater health risks and affecting the community’s environment.