On April 29, five abandoned Siberian Huskies (2 to 4-year-old), that were painfully walking under the sizzling sun on the outskirts of Hyderabad, were rescued while a sixth was found dead, perhaps due to sunstroke. Passers-by had noticed several pedigreed dogs roaming in the scrubs near Nandigaon village, along the Shankarpally-Patancheru Road. Animal rescuers suspect that a week back an unidentified breeder had abandoned at least 30 dogs. Huskies are genetically related to the now extinct Taimyr wolf and Finnish Spitz dog and originated in Far East Russia. The breed was developed by the Chukchi people for pulling sleds and companionship.
Huskies are accustomed to exist in extremely cold regions; hence, India’s tropical climate must be a torture. People buy them as pets at exorbitant prices, to exhibit them as trophies and status symbols. Allegedly, the above area is a centre that illegally reproduces thoroughbred dogs; yet, neither were the dogs confiscated nor were the centres closed. Perhaps the authorities’ bark and bite do not matter to the breeders. Unless people stop buying high-breed dogs that are unsuitable for Indian conditions, illegal breeders will continue to flourish while the dogs suffer.
