In a major breakthrough, police in Panbari, Mangaldoi, rescued 19 dogs from an alleged dog smuggling operation and arrested four individuals involved in the illegal trade. Acting on a tip-off, the police discovered the dogs confined in sacks within a locked room.
The suspects reportedly explained their methods of capturing and transporting the animals, which involved placing both pets and stray dogs into sacks, feeding them minimally, and then delivering them to buyers. Police suspect the dogs were intended for transport to Nagaland for sale.
The arrested individuals were identified as Milik Marak, Ina Sangma, Star Marak from Karbi Anglong, and Malu Sangma from Bhakatpara in Darrang district. A case has been registered under Dhula PS Case No. 158/24, and the accused have been placed in judicial custody. Meanwhile, authorities are searching for six additional suspects who remain at large.
Following the rescue, local volunteers arrived at the Panbari police station to assist with the dogs’ care. Despite lacking a shelter, the group quickly coordinated with various NGOs, including “We Animal” in Tezpur, Generosity Assam in Nalbari, and other organizations in Guwahati, to ensure that the rescued dogs received the necessary treatment and rehabilitation.
An animal activist involved in the operation shared, “The smugglers had been trafficking street dogs from Assam to Nagaland and Mizoram for profit. Sadly, one of the dogs did not survive.”
The incident has raised awareness of the persistent issue of illegal dog smuggling in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and stricter regulations to prevent such cases in the future.