A camel suffering from various old age-related ailments died after being abandoned by its master inside Manapali forest in Khallikote area of Ganjam district.
The owner of the camel used to load goods on it and scout various fairs in the locality to earn a living when the animal was strong and worthy. However, the owner reportedly left the animal to fend for itself recently after it became sick and weak due to old age.
The camel was seen roaming around aimlessly in the locality for the past couple of days. Starved and exhausted for days, the wandering animal finally died yesterday.
Also Read
The death of the camel sparked resentment among the locals who demanded authorities to identify its master and take stringent action against him for the cruelty against the speechless pet.
"The camel used to carry several items to local fairs and helped its owner earn money throughout its life. However, when the animal became sick, it was abandoned by its heartless master. We saw the animal roaming around in the locality and also arranged food for it. However, it died yesterday," said a local resident.
"Earning money by using an animal and dumping it during old age is cruelty. The villagers fed the animal for some days, but could not save it. We are saddened by the camel's death," said another resident.
"The camel's owner should be traced and handed down stringent punishment," he demanded.