Dog Smuggling Racket Foiled by Animal Welfare Groups in Karimganj and Silchar, 14 canines rescued

After drugs, Burmese areca, and cattle being smuggled through the main roads and highways of Barak Valley, a new smuggling racket has emerged. They deal with dogs, also known as “man’s best friend”. A luxurious vehicle with the registration number AS 10 E 2913 was heading from Algapur in Hailakandi towards the neighbouring state Mizoram’s Aizwal. In this vehicle, there were 14 dogs shoved inside gunny bags and three smugglers.

In a significant operation, two animal welfare organizations from Karimganj and Silchar successfully thwarted a dog smuggling racket suspected to be for the illegal dog meat trade. The collaborative effort resulted in the rescue of 14 dogs and the apprehension of three alleged smugglers.

Karimganj’s Ashray Animal Welfare Society received a tip-off about the smuggling operation from a reliable source. The source informed them that 14 dogs were being transported from Algapur, Hailakandi, to the neighbouring state of Mizoram. Acting swiftly, the Ashray Animal Welfare Society mobilized its volunteers and sought assistance from the Sporsho Animal Welfare Group of Silchar and the Assam Police.

The joint team intercepted the smuggling vehicle at Ramnagar Point, just before it could enter the bypass towards Sonabarighat. Inside the vehicle, the team found 14 dogs and three individuals who confessed to transporting the dogs to Aizawl, Mizoram. The smugglers were identified as Rezul Hussain Barbhuiya, Abdul Salam Mazumder, and Anwar Hussain Barbhuiya, all from Algapur, Hailakandi.

A volunteer from the Ashray Animal Welfare Society revealed that the community had been concerned about the increasing disappearance of street dogs over the past few months. Their independent investigation led them to uncover the smuggling operation, indicating that dogs from Barak Valley were being kidnapped and sold for meat on a daily basis.

“Last night, we received a tip from a credible source, prompting us to be on high alert for the smuggling vehicle. It was heading from Algapur towards Mizoram. With coordinated efforts, we moved towards Silchar, collaborated with Sporsho, and informed the police. Our prompt action allowed us to rescue the dogs and detain the smugglers,” explained a member of the welfare group.

The welfare organizations highlighted the inadequacies of the current penalties under the Animal Cruelty Act. “Dog meat trade is illegal, but the smuggling continues unabated. Currently, the fine for such a crime is only 50 rupees. This is insufficient. We believe the fine should be at least 500 rupees to deter such acts of cruelty and smuggling,” the volunteer added.

The welfare groups also pointed out a troubling correlation between dog kidnappings and increased robbery incidents in the affected areas. “Dogs serve as unpaid protectors, and their disappearance often coincides with a rise in thefts. We must protect these animals from human cruelty,” emphasized another member of the welfare group.

The smugglers are currently being interrogated at the Tarapur Out Post. The Animal Welfare Volunteers assured that they will take proper care of these dogs at their shelter home.