Kohima: Three dog meat wholesalers in northeast India finally walked away from the business. They spent two decades supplying slaughterhouses in Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Manipur. Now, they trade knives for pickle jars and mushroom spores. The shift comes via the Models for Change program, a venture run by Pro Rural and Humane World for Animals India.
This initiative started in 2025 to help people flee the illicit dog trade. It already moved 30 women vendors out of the market, with 30 more waiting to join. The three wholesalers turned in 18 dogs before shutting down their operations for good. Vets treated, vaccinated, and microchipped every animal. Most dogs found homes in Nagaland, while the rest went to shelters in Assam.
The dog meat trade feeds on stolen pets hauled across state lines. Keren Nazareth, a director at Humane World for Animals India, noted the industry traps poor families in dangerous work while spreading rabies. She stated, "The trade exploits people in vulnerable socio-economic situations and exposes communities to health risks such as rabies."
One former wholesaler finished her pickle-making training this May. She opened a shop and plans to add baking and mushroom farming to her resume. Pro Rural coordinator Wangshikokla Jamir said the program offers the training and mentorship needed to build real businesses. It provides a path out of a trade that many participants now want to leave behind.
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