Assam police rescue alleged smuggling of 80 dogs

Khetri (Guwahati), March 21 : Assam police on Thursday prevented 80 dogs from being smuggled to the neighbouring Nagaland state and arrested at least four persons.

Selling dogs to Nagaland is a brisk business as dog meat is very popular in that State but the supply remains insufficient. Thus, dogs from other parts of India are illegally sent to Assam.

Police came into action after a tip-off by the People For Animals (PFA), a voluntary forum for the protection of animals and rescued the dogs at Khetri, 35 kilometers from Guwahati. An activist of People for Animal (PFA) contended that the dog meat has not been made legal in India.

"This is a big racket and when you know that dog meat is illegal and this is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 under section 11. So it is an offence and these people should be punished," said Sangeeta Goswami, one People's For Animals activist.

"I appeal to the government, everybody and the Animal Welfare Board of India that they should make the laws stronger and these people should be punished," she added.

A dog usually fetches rupees 200 to 500 (five to twelve dollars), depending upon its health and build.

In many parts of the northeast of India dog meat is very popular.

Though the Mizoram government has officially banned dog meat in the State this year, the Nagaland is yet to declare it as illegal.

ANI