Jied Syiem/For Humane World for Animals

Urge India to end the dog meat trade

In Assam, India, tens of thousands of dogs—both street animals and pets—are being stolen for the meat trade. These dogs are trafficked illegally across state borders to be sold for meat, in open violation of Indian law.

The cruelty they endure is unimaginable. Their mouths are bound shut to silence them, and their bodies are stuffed into sacks tied tightly around their necks, leaving them unable to move or breathe easily. Many have their legs broken to prevent escape. Crammed into vehicles with no ventilation, food or water, they are transported for hours or days in unbearable conditions.

After a long journey, they are taken to markets where they wait to be brutally slaughtered. In some markets, they are displayed in sacks and are sold live for consumers to buy and slaughter at home.

Urge the Assam Chief Minister, the Director General of Police and the Animal Welfare Board of India to intervene immediately, enforce existing laws and end this cruel trade for good.

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Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam,

I am deeply concerned about the tens of thousands of dogs caught up in the cruel and illegal dog meat trade, which results in immense animal suffering, illegal activities, and serious human and animal health risks.

Every year, dogs, including many stolen pets, are trafficked throughout Assam to supply markets, makeshift slaughterhouses and restaurants. They endure immense suffering, and are being subjected to brutal methods of capture, transport and slaughter. In addition to animal cruelty, there are significant growing public health concerns. 

The World Health Organization has explicitly highlighted the trade in dogs for human consumption as a contributing factor to the spread of rabies in many countries. The dog meat trade poses a major barrier to India’s pledge to eliminate rabies by 2030. 

This trade persists despite these clear national central laws: 

-The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 does not categorize dogs as food animals. 

-The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 prohibits such acts of cruelty. 

-The Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, explicitly forbids illegal and inhumane transport practices. 

Throughout Asia, including India, there is intensifying vocal opposition toward this cruel trade, and an ever-growing number of countries and territories are prohibiting the trade in and consumption of dogs, on the grounds of public human health risks, animal welfare and the special bond between humans and dogs. 

I therefore immediately call for urgent action to:

-Strictly enforce existing laws to stop dog theft, trafficking and slaughter.

-Strengthen border checkpoints and intercept transport vehicles involved in the trade. 

-Prosecute offenders under the relevant provisions of the BNS, PCA Act and FSSAI regulations.

-Rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs seized from trafficking routes. 

In January 2024, the world celebrated the passing of South Korea’s groundbreaking Special Act, which bans the farming and slaughtering of dogs for meat by 2027. This landmark victory provides a model for other countries to follow and demonstrates that change is possible through decisive action. In India, the dog meat trade is already illegal. Assam must take urgent steps to end this illegal and brutal practice. 

I therefore urge you, as a renowned and compassionate leader, to ensure that Assam acts without delay to end this inhumane, unlawful trade by strengthening enforcement and upholding the rule of the law. The world is watching, and such action will be met with national and global applause. 
 
Sincerely,

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