In a significant operation, a dog smuggling racket has been arrested in Silchar. 14 dogs have been rescued from the smuggler.
These dogs were rescued from a luxurious vehicle with the registration number AS 10 E 2913, which was heading from Hailakandi towards neighbouring Mizoram.
The significant operation is done by the two animal welfare organisations of Karimganj and Silchar. Karimganj’s Ashray Animal Welfare Society received secret information from a source. The secret was that 14 dogs were being transported from Algapur, Hailakandi, to Mizoram. They immediately responded to the information. Karimganj’s Ashray Animal Welfare Society gathered volunteers and asked for help from the Sporsho Animal Welfare Group of Silchar and the Assam Police.
Joint Operation by animal welfare organisations of Karimganj and Silchar
The joint operation resulted in the arrest of the smugglers and the rescue of 14 dogs. The three arrested individuals confessed that they were transporting the dogs to Aizwal, Mizoram.
The three smugglers identified as Rezul Hussain Barbhuiya, Abdul Salam Mazumdar, and Anwaar Hussain Barbhuiya are all from Algapur, Hailakandi.
“Last night, we got a tip from a trusted source about a smuggling vehicle heading from Algapur to Mizoram. We quickly moved towards Silchar, worked with Sporsho, and informed the police. Because of our fast action, we rescued the dogs and caught the smugglers,” said a member of the welfare group.
The welfare groups pointed out problems with the current Animal Cruelty Act penalties. “Trading dog meat is illegal, but smuggling still happens. The fine for this crime is only 50 rupees, which is too low. We think it should be at least 500 rupees to stop this cruelty,” the volunteer said.
They also noted a link between dog kidnappings and more robberies in the area. “Dogs act as protectors, and when they are taken, thefts go up. We need to protect these animals from cruelty,” said another group member.
The smugglers are now being questioned at the Tarapur Outpost. The Animal Welfare Volunteers promised to take good care of the rescued dogs at their shelter.
