18 Dogs Rescued After Dog Meat Vendors Choose A New Path

Eighteen dogs who were facing an uncertain fate have been given a second chance after the people who had them made a life-changing decision.

After more than 20 years in the dog meat trade, three wholesalers in Nagaland, India, chose to walk away from the business and voluntarily surrendered the last 18 dogs in their possession instead of sending them to slaughter.

The dogs were immediately rescued and given veterinary care. Each dog was examined, treated as needed, vaccinated, and microchipped before being moved to safety. Several were adopted on the spot by compassionate local residents, while the remaining dogs are now being rehabilitated and will eventually be placed in loving homes.

The three former wholesalers are now beginning a new chapter through Models for Change, a livelihood transition program launched in Nagaland in 2025 by Pro Rural, a grassroots development organization in India, with support from Humane World for Animals India.

Through the program, former dog meat vendors are being supported as they transition into new businesses, including mushroom farming and pickle making. So far, 30 dog meat vendors—all women—have successfully left the trade, with another 30 expected to join them.

For many people involved in the dog meat trade, leaving has not always been simple. Without another way to earn a living and support their families, many vendors have had no realistic alternative. This program helps create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while offering a path away from the trade.

The decision by these three wholesalers marks a significant shift. Their choice not only saved 18 dogs from slaughter but may also help prevent future dogs from entering the trade. It shows what can happen when compassion is paired with practical solutions.

Humane World for Animals India continues to work with local organizations, communities, and law enforcement agencies to create solutions that prioritize both human and animal well-being.

As for the 18 rescued dogs, they were safely transported to animal shelters in Assam, where several have already found loving and safe homes.