Srinagar- Every winter in Kashmir brings with it a silent tragedy that often goes unnoticed. Horses that serve as a lifeline for hundreds of families during the tourist season are left to fend for themselves once the harsh cold sets in.
Across popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri and Yusmarg, horses are extensively used to ferry tourists and locals. During the summer months, these animals work relentlessly and generate steady income for their owners. However, with the onset of winter and a sharp decline in tourism, many horses are abandoned on roadsides and open fields, exposed to hunger, freezing temperatures and, in many cases, death.
With no shelter or care, several horses wander along highways, risking fatal accidents. Others stray into agricultural fields in search of food, causing losses to farmers while further aggravating the animals’ suffering.
A video that recently surfaced on social media has once again drawn attention to the issue. In the video, Dr Sameer Siddiqui, Patron of Khanqah-e-Hydari, expressed anguish over the treatment of these animals.
“These tongueless animals are made to work relentlessly during summers, and when winters arrive, when they need warmth and care the most, they are abandoned on roads to die,” he said. “Many collapse after being hit by vehicles, while others suffer silently from hunger and cold.”
Dr Siddiqui said a written complaint has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Anantnag, urging the administration to take action against those who commercialise horses during the tourist season and abandon them during winter. He added that many owners desert the animals to avoid the cost of feeding and shelter, leaving them vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
Residents from affected areas have also shared distressing accounts. Mohammad Yaseen, a resident of Sallar in Pahalgam, said horses cannot raise their voice against cruelty.
“They help us earn our livelihood, yet we abandon them when they need us the most,” he said. “Being human means showing compassion. Those responsible should be identified and strict legal action must be taken against them.”
Similarly, Mushtaq Ahmad from Ashmuqam said the situation has worsened in recent weeks.
“I have seen many horses roaming on the roads. Recently, two horses died after eating something poisonous, and another was hit by a car,” he said.
Abid Abbasi, a resident of Budgam, also expressed concern over the growing number of stray horses.
“I have seen many stray horses roaming in our area where children often play. Dogs chase them, creating fear and danger,” he said. “Instead of harassing these animals, people should inform the concerned department.”
Farmers, meanwhile, report heavy losses due to stray horses entering agricultural fields. One farmer said his crops were completely destroyed, resulting in losses of nearly Rs 2 lakh.
As winter deepens, the suffering of these animals continues largely in silence. Locals and animal welfare advocates have appealed to the authorities to enforce strict regulations, fix accountability and remind people that compassion should not end with the tourist season.
