Assam Police Intercept Truck, Saving 26 Dogs From Meat Trade

Guwahati: Assam Police stopped a truck in the Karbi Anglong district and saved 26 dogs. The animals were stolen from across the state. They were found with muzzles tied and stuffed inside jute sacks. Four organizations joined forces for the raid: Just Be Friendly, Humane World for Animals India, UCI Foundation, and Anaajoree.

The dogs moved from police custody in Karbi Anglong to the JBF Integrated Care and Resource Centre in Guwahati. They are currently getting veterinary help there. Local groups will handle adoptions once the animals recover. Researchers estimate tens of thousands of dogs disappear from Assam streets annually. They are often hauled across borders into Mizoram and Nagaland for slaughter.

Keren Nazareth of Humane World for Animals India called the mission a breakthrough. "Every dog rescued from this trade is a life spared from immense suffering," she said. This marks the first time multiple welfare groups synchronized with state police to hit the trade directly. Dr. Shashanka Dutta, who founded JBF, noted this is their third rescue this year. That brings their total saved to 69.

Efforts to kill the trade extend into Nagaland. Humane World for Animals India reports 80 vendors have quit the business, including 50 who switched to humane jobs this year. Three wholesalers also walked away from the trade recently. The group continues to train police and the Railway Protection Force to spot and stop illegal animal transport.