ASSAM, India—In a significant joint effort, Assam Police and four animal protection organizations—JBF (Just Be Friendly), Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International/India), UCI Foundation and Anaajoree—have come together to rescue 26 dogs believed to have been destined for the dog meat trade. Police in the district of Karbi Anglong intercepted a truck transporting the dogs, who were found with their mouths tied and crammed into jute sacks.
The rescued dogs were initially placed in the custody of the police and kept at the veterinary department of Karbi Anglong. Within hours of their rescue, they were safely transported to JBF’s Integrated Care and Resource Centre for Animal Welfare in Guwahati. At the center, they will receive veterinary treatment and ongoing care to support their recovery. Once they have recovered, local organizations will work to find them loving, permanent homes.
The rescue highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement officials, animal protection organizations and communities in tackling India’s cruel dog meat trade. Based on Humane World for Animals India’s research, despite the trade being illegal, tens of thousands of dogs are estimated to be stolen or snatched from the streets in Assam each year and transported across border to neighboring states, including Mizoram and Nagaland. The trade raises serious animal welfare concerns and underscores the need for stronger enforcement and monitoring to prevent the capture, transportation and slaughter of dogs.
Keren Nazareth, senior director, companion animals and engagement, Humane World for Animals India, said, “Every dog rescued from this trade is a life spared from immense suffering. What makes this rescue particularly significant is that, for the first time, multiple animal protection organizations have come together in a coordinated effort with the police to rescue the dogs. This is an important step forward for animal protection in the region, demonstrating what we can achieve when organizations work together towards a common goal. We hope this collaboration encourages stronger coordination and further interventions, so that more dogs can be protected from cruelty and exploitation.”
Dr. Shashanka Dutta, founder, JBF, shared: “This is our third rescue this year, and with this the total number of dogs rescued is 69! JBF has been working to end this trade for so many years, and we are seeing the cruelty increasing, which is why it is really heartening to see the Assam Police in action and stepping up to stop this illegal trade. We are glad that another 26 dogs have been rescued from a terrible fate, and for us the biggest challenge begins here. We will ensure, as we always have, that they can live their lives safely. We encourage people from animal loving homes to come forward to adopt these loving dogs.”
Facts:
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Every year, street and pet dogs are stolen and illegally transported across state borders for the dog meat trade in India.
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The rescue is a part of Humane World for Animals India's continued effort to phase out the dog meat trade in India. This is the organization’s third such rescue this year.
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Humane World for Animals India works with a local partner to provide an alternative livelihood program for dog meat vendors in Nagaland. This year alone, more than 50 dog meat vendors in Nagaland voluntarily exited the dog meat trade and chose a humane business alternative, bringing the total count to 80 participating vendors so far.
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Earlier this year, for the first time, three dog meat wholesalers existed the trade and 18 dogs were rescued.
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Humane World for Animals India is also working to build capacity within India’s police departments and Railway Protection Force to help end the dog meat trade in India.
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 change through legislation, community engagement, animal rescue, rabies vaccination and livelihood transition programs, working both directly and with local partners. Since 2012, Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International India) has been pioneering animal birth control and humane street dog management to improve the lives of street dogs across the country. We work closely with governments and local authorities to humanely manage street dog populations, ensuring their safety while creating harmonious communities.
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