A graphic video showing a dog being thrown from a bridge into Nepal’s Seti River has generated public outrage and police have started investigating in Bajhang district. The incident happened at the Pankot bridge near the Bajhang district headquarters and the video was widely shared on social media within hours.
According to reports, the video shows a woman taking the dog from the bridge to the edge of the bridge and throwing it into the river below. The dog is seen struggling in the fast-flowing water after the fall.
They identified the location as the bridge connecting wards 10 and 11 of Jayaprithvi Municipality in Bajhang. Police were informed after the video started circulating online and began to look into when the incident occurred and identify the woman in the video.
Police officials said an investigation is underway and a team is in place to find out what happened. Details about the woman's identity and what happened to the dog are being sought as well, they said. There was no official information at the time of the latest reporting on whether the dog survived when it was dragged away by the river, they said.
Online, animal welfare advocates and social media users have been calling on the person responsible to be identified and dealt with according to the law. The video has also raised questions about the treatment of animals and people’s duty to help animals in distress.
Nepal has some legal provisions for animals, but the legal provisions applicable to a specific incident depend on the facts established during an investigation. The Nepal Law Commission has a written collection of legislation concerning animal health, veterinary services, and animal welfare.
A woman was allegedly seen throwing a pet dog into the Seti River near Pankot Bridge. 😡 pic.twitter.com/YvnfDUTABU
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) September 17, 2026
Such a case has also attracted attention because dogs are a special part of Nepal’s culture. The dogs are typically awarded garlands, tika, and food during Kukur Tihar, one of the days of the five-day Tihar festival. The contrast of this cultural practice with the disturbing footage has become part of the discussion around the incident.
But investigators have not yet established all the details surrounding the video. Questions remain about when the incident took place, who the woman was, and what happened to the dog. A police investigation is ongoing, and the footage and all the other information will be reviewed.
Another example of how video sharing on social media can bring local news to the whole world very quickly. This is what happened: the footage spread and police were investigating and searching for the person involved. Any legal actions will be determined by the investigation as it happens.
At this stage, the fate of the dog remains unknown and police are still trying to identify the woman in the viral footage and determine the full circumstances.
