Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: Three major dog meat wholesalers in Nagaland have permanently exited the trade after two decades of operation. They were primary distributors for markets in Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Manipur. Their departure cripples the local supply chain. It marks a significant shift in a region where dogs have historically been treated as stock.
The transition happened through the Models for Change livelihood program. Pro Rural and Humane World for Animals India launched this initiative in 2025. It targets the economic needs of vendors, providing paths into industries like mushroom farming and pickle making. So far, 30 women have left the trade. Another 30 are expected to join soon.
The three wholesalers surrendered their final 18 dogs before leaving. Local residents adopted many of these animals on the spot. Experts treated and vaccinated the rest before moving them to shelters in Assam. The animals will eventually be placed in permanent homes.
Keren Nazareth, a director at Humane World for Animals India, said, “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.”
Project organizers note that many women want out of the industry. The work offers little stability and causes significant stress. One former wholesaler who now runs a shop and makes pickles urged her peers to consider new paths. She noted that while Naga women are hardworking, they often lacked other opportunities until now. She said, “To others who are already part of the trade, I would like to tell them that there are more humane businesses out there.”
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