3 dog meat wholesalers exit trade under livelihood programme

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): In a significant development aimed at ending the dog meat trade in northeast India, three long-time dog meat wholesalers have permanently exited the trade after more than two decades of supplying dogs for slaughter and consumption.
According to a press release issued by Humane World for Animals India, the wholesalers had supplied dogs to markets in Dimapur and Mokokchung districts of Nagaland, as well as neighbouring Manipur.
They have now shifted to alternative livelihoods in mushroom farming and pickle making through the Models for Change livelihood transition programme implemented by Pro Rural with support from Humane World for Animals India.
The organisation said the programme, launched in Nagaland in 2025, provides alternative livelihood opportunities for those involved in the dog meat trade.
It stated that 30 women vendors have already transitioned out of the trade, while another 30 are expected to join the programme.
The three wholesalers also surrendered the remaining 18 dogs in their possession, marking their complete exit from the trade. Many of the rescued dogs were adopted by residents of Nagaland, while all received veterinary examination, treatment, vaccination and microchipping before being moved to safety.
Humane World for Animals India said the dog meat trade relies on a network of traffickers, wholesalers and vendors, with many dogs allegedly stolen or captured from neighbouring states before being transported into Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
Senior director of companion animals and engagement at Humane World for Animals India, Keren Nazareth, said the trade exploits people in vulnerable socio-economic situations and exposes communities to health risks such as rabies. She thanked the three wholesalers for leaving the trade and encouraged others to consider similar transitions.
Pro Rural project coordinator Wangshikokla Jamir said many women involved in the trade were seeking safer and more sustainable livelihoods, adding that the programme provides training, mentoring and practical support to help them establish alternative businesses.
Following the training, the three former wholesalers will establish businesses in pickle making and mushroom farming.
The organisation said the programme also contributes to public health by helping reduce rabies risks associated with the dog meat trade.
One of the former wholesalers said she had completed pickle-making training in May and had since left the trade after considering the move for a long time.
She said she had also opened a small shop and planned to learn mushroom cultivation and baking, while encouraging others in the trade to pursue more humane livelihoods.
The rescued dogs have been taken to animal shelters in Assam for rehabilitation before being put up for adoption.