PM Modi Urges Indians To Search The Internet To Know About Native Indian Dog Breeds, Adopt Desi Dogs

31 August 2020 

On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the country's canines, animal lovers and activists a reason to cheer. In his radio talk, 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi urged Indians to adopt dogs of native Indian breeds if they were bringing a canine home as he emphasised the need to be "atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) in all areas. Indian dogs came under the spotlight in his radio broadcast as the PM recalled the bravery of various Indian dogs served in the Indian Army. Speaking about native Indian breeds in his radio broadcast, Mr. Modi said, "Friends, I've also been told that Indian breed dogs are also very good and capable. Among the Indian breeds, Mudhol Hound and Himachali Hound are of excellent pedigree. Rajapalayam, Kanni, Chippiparai and Kombai are fabulous Indian breeds. They cost less to raise and are better adapted to the Indian environment and surroundings. The next time you think of raising a pet dog, consider bringing home one of these Indian breeds. At a time when Atmanirbhar Bharat is becoming a mantra of the people, how can any domain be left untouched by its influence?" according to the English translation of this 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast. 

Singing praises of Indian dogs, the 69-year-old Prime Minister urged people to “Search for these breeds on the internet and know more about them - The beauty and qualities of these breeds will leave you astounded!” Narendra Modi joins a list of Indian celebrities like Sonakshi Sinha, Sunny Leone, Trisha, Amala, Sadaa and others have lent their support for adoption of native Indian dogs in the past. Several Indian celebs like Virat Kohli and Anushka, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham and many others have also adopted desi dogs. 

The PM's shout-out for our desi canines adds a much-needed boost to the Indian animal welfare movement with activists and popular celebrities urging people to adopt native desi dogs instead of buying foreign breeds. The breeding and sale of exotic, pedigree dogs is inherently cruel and unregulated in India. Labrador and golden retrievers, German Shepherds, pugs, beagles, boxers and pomeranians among other breeds, are subjected to immense cruelty and are in-bred to meet the demand for foreign breeds. To get an overview of the cruelty and suffering in the sale and breeding of foreign dogs, an Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)-commissioned report exposing the cruelty and industry malpractices in exotic, pedigree dog breeding can be accessed here. With increased awareness about the cruel puppy mills industry today, animal lovers are more informed and inclined to go with the 'Adopt Desi Don't Shop' appeal now. National Geographic even ran an article on adoption of stray dogs being the new cool in India! We hope Mr Modi's message will encourage people to give a home to the lakhs of stray dogs living on the streets and discourage the cruel puppy mill industry. 

For now, we're stoked that the Indian Prime Minister Modi's latest radio broadcast has given the 'AdoptDesiDon'tShop' movement a shot in the arm!

READ 10 Good Reasons To Adopt & Not Shop!

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