Government’s response has been chillingly apathetic, failing to protect animals from suffering and to enforce laws that could bring offenders to justice.
India has a longstanding tradition of revering animals; deities are associated with animals like cows, tigers, elephants, and even snakes in Hindu mythology. Yet, the ground reality today tells a very different story. Reports indicate that animal cruelty has worsened, with brutal practices such as illegal animal fights and poisoning spreading across Assam. In February 2024, two FIRs were registered in Nagaon district after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India raised complaints against unauthorised buffalo fights. The Raha and Nagaon police lodged cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but only after videos surfaced on YouTube, exposing the crimes. This isolated response is emblematic of the state’s broader failure to confront a culture of unchecked abuse.
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Despite desperate calls for help, activists say the government’s response has been chillingly apathetic, failing to protect animals from suffering and to enforce laws that could bring offenders to justice.
One particularly troubling pattern in Guwahati is the spike in dognapping, as local street and pet dogs are snatched away, allegedly for consumption and sale. The involvement of smuggling networks from Nagaland and Mizoram, who reportedly collaborate with locals, has worsened the crisis.
Talking to GPlus, Nandina Baruah, a Guwahati-based Animal Rights Activist said, “This illegal smuggling of dogs from Assam to neighbouring states must stop."
She added, “There is absolutely no firm action from the police. We need the administration to recognise this as a serious crime and take immediate action.”
Abhay Bora, another Animal Rights Activist talking to GPlus added, "In areas like Pilingkata and Beltola, cases of dognapping have increased significantly"
However, despite repeated incidents, the authorities have failed to conduct regular patrolling or to establish a system to deter these crimes. “There are no patrol cars for animals,” Bora points out, a simple solution that could have saved many dogs from capture.
Social media fuels new forms of cruelty
The role of social media has added another complex layer to the issue. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram, designed for self-expression, are now channels where cruelty is flaunted for likes and shares. “People use animals to make reels and videos for publicity,” Baruah laments. “Some even harm animals in the process just to go viral.” Social media’s toxic influence has normalised animal exploitation, adding to the grim list of crimes without facing serious repercussions.
Social media, which could be used to expose and fight against cruelty, has instead turned into a space where suffering is trivialised, or worse, used as a gimmick for internet fame. Animals have become pawns in this game, enduring harm without any real consequences for their abusers.
Legal framework full of loopholes
“The current legal framework does not address animal cruelty effectively,” Baruah explains. “Stricter laws are urgently needed, as the existing ones are outdated and lack any real power to deter abuse.”
Despite activists’ efforts to push for amendments, Assam’s legal system remains bogged down by apathy and outdated legislation, allowing offenders to dodge justice easily. Baruah recounts how challenging it is to get a case registered: “There are times when it’s difficult to file an FIR without an eyewitness or strong evidence. We also face pushback from aggressive owners.” Furthermore, there’s no emergency service or 24-hour animal helpline, making it harder for rescuers to assist animals in need.
Community dogs: From villainised to vital
Activists argue that much of the cruelty toward stray animals stems from a lack of understanding and empathy. Community dogs are often viewed as a nuisance, but activists like Baruah emphasize their role in the ecosystem and their right to live free from harm. “People need to understand the importance of community dogs,” she asserts. “They should be fed, vaccinated, and neutered, which would help manage diseases and overpopulation.”
In Baruah’s vision, public outreach programs would educate the community about the need to care for stray animals, ultimately reducing suffering and cruelty.
The campaign to promote the adoption of local or “desi” dogs is also critical. If more people chose to adopt these animals, the population of homeless strays could be effectively controlled. “If every family adopted one local puppy or adult dog, it would make a significant difference,” she says, stressing that neutering and vaccination programs could address health concerns without causing harm to these animals.
Grim reality of neglect and exploitation
Animal cruelty is not limited to strays; it extends to pet shops and breeding practices, where neglect and abuse are all too common. “Pet shops do not follow rules for breeding or selling,” Baruah points out. She insists that there should be a database of licensed pet shops and breeders, along with regular inspections to monitor animal health and treatment. Without such oversight, pet shops and breeders often cut corners, keeping animals in unsanitary conditions and neglecting necessary vaccinations.
The conditions for breeding animals, particularly for female dogs, are appalling. “Backyard breeders operate unchecked, breeding female dogs continuously without regard for their health,” Baruah says. “The reality is grim and cruel because there’s no system in place to inspect them.” Animals in these breeding facilities suffer silently, their health sacrificed for profit. Baruah and other activists have long demanded harsher penalties and strict oversight, yet the government has shown no signs of intervention.
Call for harsher punishment
Baruah and her peers are calling for harsher penalties and effective law enforcement, arguing that animals deserve the same protection as humans under the law. “Harsher punishment is a must. Animals have equal rights to live as humans do,” she insists. Yet, the state’s legal framework continues to lag behind, failing to reflect the growing demand for animal welfare and protection.
The activists’ frustration is palpable. Despite years of advocacy, Assam’s system remains full of loopholes that let abusers walk free with minimal consequence. Baruah stresses the importance of systemic change, expressing hope that the government will finally recognize animal welfare as an urgent issue. “We have fought for years to amend these laws, but the system’s apathy means we are still dealing with weak penalties and outdated rules. We can only hope this situation changes soon,” she says.
Activists’ sharpest criticisms are directed at the state government, which has failed to address the rising tide of animal cruelty in Assam. Baruah holds Assam’s leaders, especially the Chief Minister, accountable for ignoring the issue. “Our CM has done nothing for animals,” she states bluntly. “The government has turned a blind eye to animal cruelty and shown nothing but apathy.”
Baruah insists that the government must start by recognising the problem and then implementing practical measures tailored to Guwahati’s specific challenges. “The authorities must be dedicated to stopping the crime. Patrolling in the early morning and late night could help tackle dognapping,” she suggests. “Checkpoints should be set up at district borders, and citizens should be encouraged to report suspicious activity.”
One of her key proposals is to create a state-level animal helpline, allowing citizens to report cruelty cases directly and enabling quicker intervention. She also calls for the Assam SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to become more active and hire officers with empathy for animals. “Without empathy, this job cannot be done,” she emphasizes. “The increase in animal crimes shows a system lacking both commitment and compassion.”
The fight for animal rights in Assam raises questions about the state’s priorities and the role of the government in safeguarding the vulnerable. Will Assam’s leaders finally confront the rising cruelty and implement stricter laws to prevent it? How long will animal activists and concerned citizens have to push before concrete action is taken? With each day that passes without intervention, countless animals remain at risk. It is time for the authorities to answer these calls—will they step up, or continue to turn a blind eye?