The sight of stray dogs wounded and struggling along the sidewalks is a heart-wrenching reality I am forced to face every time I visit my hometown in India. According to a 2021 Mars Petcare India study, there are approximately 80 million homeless cats and dogs in India, living on the streets or in shelters, many of whom are injured or ill (2021). Their thin and frail bodies serve as evidence of lack of proper food or care. Witnessing a different cultural approach to animal care opened my eyes to the wider and more nuanced global viewpoints on animal welfare. A key contributor to these challenges is the deeply rooted cultural prejudice in Indian society that favors purebred dogs over mixed-breeds. This preference is likely due to a number of factors including perceived status and common misconceptions about the health and behavioral traits of mixed-breed dogs.

Purebred dogs are often associated with prestige and social standing in India, reflecting deeper issues of class and colonial influence. On the other hand, mixed breeds, which are commonly found on the streets, are not treated as well. Our intrinsic love of everything foreign has led Indians to favor pedigreed dogs. Historical influences from the British Raj have left a lasting impression on the Indian mentality, establishing an aspirational value for Western lifestyles. There is a common perception in India that foreign products are of higher quality. They are viewed as a symbol of success and social status. In their ethnographic analysis, Bhan and Bose (2020) describe purebred dogs as a symbol of middle- and upper-class Indian identity, with potential roots in colonial messaging that distinguished British authorities and their “pedigree dogs” from Indian subjects and street dogs. Volsche, Mohan, Gray and Rangawamy (2019) surveyed college students in Bangalore, India, with 89% of the total sample identifying as upper or upper-middle-class. From the total respondents, 62.1% stated they preferred a purebred dog, while only 19.91% preferred Indian street dogs. Purebreds are typically more expensive than mixed breeds and may be perceived as more “elite” or “exclusive,” so owning a specific breed may be interpreted as a show of wealth or social status. While breeds like Pomeranians are pampered as inside pets, mixed breeds are forced to live outside for human protection, tied up in the rain and fed only leftovers such as dal and rice. Some individuals are willing to spend thousands caring for and grooming their purebred pets, but consider mixed breeds, which are frequently rescued stray dogs, to be unclean and rowdy just because they come from the streets. The idea that purebred dogs are superior to other breeds not only feeds a destructive cycle of overbreeding and commercial exploitation, but it also plays a major role in the abuse and abandonment of strays. This bias can inhibit animal welfare organizations’ efforts to promote the adoption of mixed breeds, which are just as capable of offering companionship and love as purebred dogs.

Purebred and mixed breed dogs are no different when it comes to loyalty and affection. In fact, stray dogs actually have several advantages. They have adapted to their environment and are frequently healthier and simpler to care for. They require less maintenance and are more suited to India’s environment. While some strays might take some time to warm up to new people due to their challenging experiences, most still retain a beautiful ability to bond with humans. These animals, having been neglected on the streets their entire lives, develop a special bond with those who show them kindness. The simple act of feeding them is a big gesture of care and compassion in the eyes of a street dog. In a world where they are often ignored, their ability to form intimate ties with people is a testament to their ability to love and trust even in difficult circumstances.

As loving and loyal as these dogs can be, the prejudices against them suppress demand for adoption, which in turn, overburdens local shelters. These shelters, which are typically small and lacking in resources, struggle to accommodate the large number of stray dogs. According to a study conducted by Mars Petcare and an advisory board of animal welfare experts, 50% of pet owners stated they have relinquished a pet in the past, compared to 28% on a global level. Around 34% said they have abandoned a dog on the streets. India with an index ranking of 2.4 scored below countries like Mexico (3.9), South Africa (4.0), China (4.8), Russia (5.2), and Greece (5.4). “The concept of surrendering a pet does not exist in India, and people abandon dogs anywhere, whenever they feel like it. There are only a few people who take the pain of finding a place to leave their dogs,” shares Kaveri Rana Bhardwaj, President, PFA, Gautam Buddh Nagar. These dogs are left to face uncertain fates on the streets. Shelters and rescue organizations become the only hope for these vulnerable animals. Every year, millions of animals are euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters (Kantak, 2023). Adoption frees up shelter space and money, allowing for better care of the remaining animals and reducing the need for euthanasia.

A study that compares the challenges faced by shelters in India to Western counterparts revealed factors unique to India including inadequate funding, community conflict, and the management of a huge number of animals, mostly free-roaming dogs (Srinivasa, 2022). These shelters deal with a diverse range of animals and relinquishment circumstances, which complicate population control efforts. Shelters are seen as refuges, which increases animal mortality and puts staff under emotional and operational stress. Financial challenges are exacerbated by a lack of official support and stringent restrictions such as the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which contrast with autonomy that Western non-profits have. Donations to dog-specific shelters are hampered by cultural and religious views in India that favor larger animals. This stresses the requirement for culturally sensitive fundraising and welfare measures. Shelters also deal with a range of community issues, such as high rescue call volumes and incorrect animal care by locals, demanding a balanced approach to community interaction, particularly about feeding practices. This environment differs greatly from that of Western shelters, where free-roaming dogs are uncommon.

The preference for purebred dogs in India affects more than just shelters and stray pets. It promotes improper breeding procedures in which the health and welfare of the purebreds themselves are usually sacrificed for financial gain. To accommodate demand for specific breeds, breeders may resort to inbreeding, which is the mating of close relatives like siblings or parent-offspring. While this may improve some physical qualities, it also results in genetic anomalies and health problems such as heart defects, hip dysplasia, respiratory disorders, and weakened immune systems (Suresh, 2015). These health conditions not only lower the dogs’ quality of life, but also result in large veterinary expenses for owners. Owners who cannot afford these fees commonly leave or surrender their pets to shelters, exacerbating the strain on these institutions. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, are less likely to develop health issues due to their genetic diversity. Adopting makes a statement against unethical breeding procedures and contributes to reducing demand for this industry.

To foster a more ethical and compassionate approach to pet ownership and animal welfare in India, a paradigm shift in dog perception and treatment is necessary. The first step is to acknowledge that all dogs, regardless of breed, are domestic companions. By respecting every dog as a sentient being with inherent worth, we can deconstruct the preconceptions that favor purebreds over mixed breeds. Transforming cultural attitudes to acknowledge the inherent value of all life forms paves the way for equitable human-animal coexistence and greater societal change. Furthermore, this shift in thinking can have a significant impact on community initiatives and public policy.

Unfortunately, in India, ignorance and fear has led to the belief that street dogs are just nuisances. Despite legal constraints, people continue to utilize violent methods like poisoning and beating to manage their numbers. However, these strategies are ineffective since new dogs frequently replace those that have been removed. Adopting a more sympathetic and informed view of animal welfare can lead to more effective and humane solutions to animal homelessness. Such solutions include educating the community on responsible pet ownership, establishing comprehensive spay/neuter programs, financing animal shelters, and enforcing stricter breeding regulations. These solutions could take a variety of forms, including public awareness campaigns, legislative changes, community projects, and collaboration with animal welfare organizations. By integrating these strategies, we can create a comprehensive plan to eliminate animal homelessness and establish a safer, more compassionate environment for all animals.

Comprehensive spay and neuter programs are essential to properly manage overcrowded canine populations, especially in India where most areas have limited local animal care capacity that is not enough to cover the high dog densities. For example, densities as high as 719 dogs km2 have been estimated in Maharashtra in India (Smith, 2019). These programs offer a humane approach for reducing the number of street animals while also improving their health. These efforts encourage a gradual, natural decline in population by sterilizing communal animals and reintroducing them into their natural habitat. In addition, spaying and neutering can help minimize hormone-driven behaviors. Females are less likely to attract males in the absence of heat cycles, while males have fewer roaming tendencies following neutering. These procedures also significantly reduce health risks. Pyometra, transmissible venereal tumors (TVT), and reproductive cancers are all threats that can be avoided with sterilization (Chaudhari, 2022). Thus, sterilized animals have longer and healthier lives. However, in some metropolitan areas, particularly those with high construction density, a lack of animal birth control facilities encourages uncontrolled breeding and larger litter numbers. Controlling the canine population remains challenging in the absence of comprehensive urban policies.

Rabies is another problem that presents a severe public health threat that further underscores the need for animal welfare policies. This deadly virus claims about 20,000 lives annually in India, accounting for 36 percent of rabies deaths worldwide. Many of them are children who play near the dogs and hand them food. Vaccinations protect the people as well as the canines and increases their quality of life. When dogs are immunized, humans become less fearful of them and treat them better. In the past, street dogs in India were mistreated, including electrocution in the 1970s and 1980s. There have been reports of dogs being poisoned or beaten (Lakshmin, 2020). This shows how important it is to have successful vaccination programs. Vaccinations are a more compassionate way to deal with this issue and help boost public support for animal welfare. When people learn how effective these vaccines are, they start to see street dogs as animals in need of care rather than a nuisance. However, it is difficult to ensure that all dogs in the country receive these vaccinations. This is especially true in large cities and rural areas, where there are fewer veterinarians. Distribution of rabies vaccinations must be prioritized to improve the lives of both humans and dogs in India. They promote human health while simultaneously enhancing the lives of street dogs. This is a significant step toward better animal welfare in India.

Community education is critical to improve how we treat animals. Programs such as workshops and seminars teach people about good animal care and breeding. Additionally, incorporating pet care or animal welfare into school curricula can help ensure that younger kids learn about these topics every week, fostering a generation that grows up to be more compassionate and understanding of animals and nature. Caring for a pet in one’s home can make people kinder and more conscious. It is vital that the community participates in these projects. Collaboration with local businesses, schools, and community organizations can also help spread the word more efficiently. Sarvodaya Sevabhavi Samstha is one example of this, as it travels around practicing animal birth control and teaching people how to coexist safely with street dogs (Help Animals India, 2019). They recognize that they are too small to change the world, but there are times when their intervention can make a difference. This is why their motto is “Save Life, One Animal at a Time”. Sarvodaya’s flagship program is the Animal Birth Control Program (ABC), which aims to reduce street dog population to a manageable proportion and to give community dogs a valued place in society. To this end, Sarvodaya assists by fielding teams to cities and districts on the request of NGOs, panchayats and municipalities. They also give presentations in schools regarding the dos and donts to children to avoid conflicts between children and animals. The public is educated through gatherings, pamphlets, public meetings, and society meetings. In these gatherings, the importance of proper immunization and guidelines for taking care of a pet animal and maintaining a proper vaccination schedule are advised. This highlights the need for teamwork among community members. In places like Mumbai, where people and local groups are actively involved in caring for street dogs, we see the positive effects of everyone understanding and contributing to animal welfare. According to reports, Mumbai has recorded no deaths due to rabies in in the past five years, with the cases of dog bites reducing by over 30% between 2018–2021 (Eshwar, 2023). Overall, educating and influencing the community is critical for fostering compassion and responsibility toward animals.

Its easy for many people to believe that individual actions are too small to impact such a deep-rooted and persistent problem. They feel overwhelmed or powerless which discourages them from making active efforts to contribute to change. However, this perspective ignores the combined impact of individual actions. Each action can lead to further change, inspiring others, raising awareness, and contributing to a larger movement. Despite all of this, it cannot be denied that there has been progress in how dogs are viewed and treated in India. It was not long ago that having dogs as pets was uncommon. According to National Geographic, an adopter stated, “It’s easier to have a human baby than to have a dog baby (Lakshmin, 2020). There’s just a lot more support in that aspect, rather than actually taking care of these guys, where there’s a lot of misunderstanding.” However, things are changing, owing primarily to the younger generation, which, inspired by international travel and nonprofit campaigns, is growing more aware and empathetic toward animals. They are coming to regard all dog breeds, even street dogs, deserving of decent care and a place in their homes. However, this is only the beginning. There is still a lot to be done in terms of raising awareness, updating animal welfare regulations, and encouraging ethical pet ownership. The shift in mentality is a great start, but it is only the first step toward creating a more animal-friendly culture in India.

Work Cited

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