26 dogs rescued from suspected meat trade in Assam

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

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

Initially kept at a Veterinary Department facility in Karbi Anglong, the dogs were transported to JBF’s Integrated Care and Resource Centre for Animal Welfare near Guwahati.

“At the centre, they will receive veterinary treatment and ongoing care to support their recovery. Once they recover, local organisations will work to find them loving, permanent homes,” a statement from HWAI read.

The dogs were stuffed into jute sacks, and their mouths were tied on October 28, 2026
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Based on HWAI’s research, thousands of dogs are estimated to be stolen or taken away from the streets in Assam each year and transported across the border to neighbouring states, including Mizoram and Nagaland.

HWAI’s senior director, Keren Nazareth, said 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.

“What makes this rescue particularly significant is that, for the first time, multiple animal protection organisations have come together in a coordinated effort with the police to rescue the dogs. We hope this collaboration encourages stronger coordination and further interventions, so that more dogs can be protected from cruelty and exploitation,” she said.

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

HWAI said it has been working with a local partner in Nagaland to provide an alternative livelihood programme for dog meat vendors. “This year, 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,” the organisation’s statement read.