26 dogs rescued from suspected meat trade in Assam

Assam Police and volunteers rescue dogs in Karbi Anglong district of the state October 28, 2026 | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Assam Police and four animal welfare organizations on Wednesday (October 28, 2026) rescued 26 dogs from a suspected meat trade in the state’s Karbi Anglong district.

Police and volunteers from Just Be Friendly (JBF), Humane World for Animals India (HWAI), UCI Foundation and Anaajoree intercepted a truck carrying these dogs, which were found with their mouths tied and stuffed in jute bags.

The dogs were initially kept at the Veterinary Department’s facility in Karbi Anglong and were taken to JBF’s Integrated Animal Welfare Care and Resource Center near Guwahati.

“At the center, they will receive veterinary treatment and round-the-clock care to support their recovery. Once they recover, local organizations will work to find them loving, permanent homes,” HWAI said in a statement.

Dogs stuffed in jute bags and gagged October 28, 2026 | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Based on HWAI research, it is estimated that thousands of dogs are stolen or taken from the streets of Assam every year and taken across the border to neighboring states, including Mizoram and Nagaland.

HWAI’s chief executive, Keren Nazareth, said the trade raises serious concerns about animal welfare and highlights the need for stronger enforcement and monitoring to prevent dogs from being caught, transported and slaughtered.

“What makes this rescue particularly significant is that, for the first time, several animal welfare organizations have come together in a coordinated effort with the police to rescue dogs. We hope this collaboration will encourage stronger coordination and more interventions to protect more dogs from cruelty and exploitation,” she said.

JBF founder Shashanka Dutta said his organization has helped rescue 69 dogs from the suspected meat trade this year. “The JBF has been working to end this trade for many years and we see the cruelty increasing, so it is heartening to see the Assam Police in action and stepping up to stop this illegal trade,” he said.

HWAI said it is working with a local partner in Nagaland to provide an alternative livelihood program for dog meat sellers. “This year, more than 50 dog meat sellers in Nagaland have voluntarily left the dog meat trade in favor of a humane trade alternative, bringing the total number to 80 participating sellers so far,” the organization said in a statement.

Published – 28 Oct 2026 16:33 IST