Nargise Bagheri Speaks Up for Horses

Actor and model Nargise Bagheri isn’t just a pretty face – she’s also a fearless champion for animals. Bagheri recently posed for a new PETA ad to draw attention to the cruel conditions endured by horses who are used to pull Victorias and tongas.

In recent years, there have been many accidents involving horse-drawn carts which have resulted in serious injuries – and sometimes even death – for both horses and people. In one incident, a 3-year-old boy was thrown from a cart during a “joyride” when the startled horse bolted.

A PETA investigation of the horse-cart industry in Mumbai uncovered appalling neglect and abuse. Horses used to pull carts for joyrides or to haul oversized loads were worked past the point of exhaustion. Animals who collapsed were repeatedly whipped in an effort to get them back on their feet.

Horse-drawn carts are often loaded far beyond the legal limit, and horses are frequently denied adequate rest, food and water. Animals are also routinely forced to work in temperatures of up to 37 degrees.

“It breaks my heart to see these sick, exhausted horses plodding along the congested streets”, Bagheri says. “Authorities must put an end to this cruel trade once and for all.”

Bagheri joins John Abraham, Hema Malini and Jacqueline Fernandez in calling for the elimination of this industry, which profits from the suffering of animals.

You Can Help
This cruel industry must be stopped. Please join PETA in asking the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai, Mayor of Mumbai and Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ban horse-drawn carts in Mumbai.