NAGALAND, India—In a major breakthrough in efforts to end the dog meat trade in northeastern India, three long-time dog meat wholesalers have permanently left the trade after supplying dogs for slaughter and consumption for more than 20 years. These wholesalers were key distributors within the trade, buying large numbers of dogs and supplying them to markets in Dimapur and Mokokchung districts in Nagaland, as well as in the neighbouring state of Manipur. Now they have chosen instead to pursue sustainable alternative livelihoods in mushroom farming and pickle making through Models for Change, a livelihood transition program implemented by Pro Rural, a grassroots development NGO in India and supported by Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International/India).
Many of the dog meat vendors in the region have never been offered an alternative livelihood option that would allow them to provide for their families. The Models for Change livelihood transition program, launched in Nagaland in 2025, specifically addresses their needs. So far, 30 dog meat vendors, all of them female, have fully transitioned out of the trade with a further 30 set to join them soon.
The three wholesalers voluntarily surrendered the surviving 18 dogs in their possession, the last animals they had purchased before deciding to leave the trade for good. Their exit from the trade, which relies on a network of traffickers, wholesalers and vendors, promises to disrupt the flow of dogs into markets across Nagaland and marks a significant shift in the fortunes of a trade in which dogs have long been treated as commodities. Many of the dogs were adopted on the spot by Samaritans from Nagaland who are committed to giving them safe homes. All the rescued dogs received immediate veterinary attention from Humane World for Animals India. Each dog was thoroughly examined, treated as needed, vaccinated and microchipped before being transported to safety.
Dogs are routinely stolen or caught from communities across neighbouring states before being transported into Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Humane World for Animals India is working with local organizations, communities and law enforcement agencies to implement solutions that prioritize and affirm both human and animal well-being.
Keren Nazareth, senior director of companion animals and engagement at Humane World for Animals India, says: “The dog meat trade exploits people in vulnerable socio-economic situations. Changing that isn't just about rescuing dogs, although we are of course hugely relieved these animals are now safe. It’s also about disrupting a system that exposes women to physical and financial risk, and communities to entirely preventable health risks like rabies. That's why local, community-led solutions matter so much; they address the whole picture, not just one part of it. We are very grateful to these three wholesalers for making the courageous choice to leave the dog meat trade, and to the many loving families who have chosen to adopt the dogs, and we invite other sellers who may be considering a similar transition to join us.”
Wangshikokla Jamir, project coordinator at Pro Rural, says: “The training is inspiring women in the trade to choose a livelihood that will give them a better life. We have found that the trade does not offer stable incomes, has aspects that impact women’s well-being and many of them do not want these as a future for their children. We are finding more women reaching out to join the program. When we hear about the dog meat trade it often focuses on animal suffering, but that tells only half the story. The other half is of the people who are caught up in this trade. Our program exists to change that equation entirely. It doesn’t ask women to give something up without offering them something better in return. It gives them the training, the mentoring and the practical support to build a livelihood that is safe, humane, scalable and sustainable.”
Following training, the three former wholesalers will now begin building businesses in pickle making and mushroom farming. The program also strengthens public health by helping reduce the spread of rabies, as the dog meat trade is recognized as a significant driver of disease transmission in affected areas.
Speaking about the livelihood transition program, one of the former wholesalers said, “Naga women are hardworking and are inclined towards learning new things, but there was a lack of opportunities. I got trained in making pickles in May of this year, and within a couple of months I exited the trade; the decision was not sudden, as I was thinking about making the switch for a long time. Apart from making pickles, I have also started a small shop, and I would also be learning mushroom cultivation and baking. To others who are already part of the trade, I would like to tell them that there are more humane businesses out there.”
The rescued dogs have been safely transported to animal shelters in Assam, where they will undergo a veterinary examination, treatment, rehabilitation and socialization before being placed for adoption into loving and safe homes.
Humane World for Animals works across Asia to end the dog and cat meat trade. In India, South Korea, Viet Nam, Indonesia and China we pursue lasting change through legislation, community engagement, animal rescue, rabies vaccination and livelihood transition programs, working both directly and alongside local partners.
Since 2012, Humane World for Animals India has been working to improve the lives of animals across India through comprehensive programs that include street dog welfare, farmed animal protection, disaster response, wildlife protection and cruelty response.
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Download photos of the dog meat trade here.
Broadcast-quality video of the dog meat trade rescue is available here.