Adopting street dogs gaining popularity in India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - When animal rescuer Laxmi Gowda posted a puppy for adoption in Bengaluru on social media 10 days ago, she was surprised to see the response.

She got more than 200 requests from people who wanted to adopt.

"Immediately after I put out the post, the little puppy was successfully adopted by a family," Gowda told Anadolu Agency. "These days, we easily get families for adoption of street dogs."

This is not an isolated story. On the eve of International Homeless Animals Day on Sunday, animal rescuers said the trend of adopting street dogs is picking up in many areas, especially in the southern city of Bengaluru.

They credit awareness as the reason for the rise.

"I have successfully given more than 150 dogs for adoption," said Gowda. "All are settled in beautiful houses now, which is very good. I feel happy when I see their condition."

She said that while the trend needs to be picked up in many other areas of the country, it has changed in the last few years in her city. "When I started this work, the response was less. Now, it is much more. The situation is changing," said Gowda.

Ayyappa Kolluru who runs Pet Adoption Bangalore, said people are coming forward to adopt street dogs.

"Compared to the picture of what was there three to four years ago, now there is a good amount of people who are ready to adopt the indie dog or street dogs. This is a welcome change," he said. "I have been into rescuing for the last six years and have rescued close to 100 dogs. In 100 dogs, 60% are right now in good homes now. Had there been no public support, it would have been very next to impossible."

He said awareness among people in Bengaluru is the reason behind the trend.

"I think people here are animal friendly. I think because of awareness, people are coming forward and they are adopting the dogs," he said.

As per the 19th livestock census in 2012, India has a population of 17.13 million stray dogs.

In the national capital of New Delhi, Vandana Anchalia, who runs the Kannan Animal Welfare, told Anadolu Agency the trend of adopting street dogs has recently increased.

​​​​​​​But said that due to a recent ban on the adoption of stray dogs from more than 100 countries by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adoptions have been affected.

"We would send dogs for adoption to the US and Canada," said Anchalia. "But the recent ban has put the adoptions on hold completely."