BY HIMANGI SINGH 

A movement encouraging Indian citizens to adopt Indian dogs is sweeping the country.

This comes after a dog show in Hyderabad showcased Indigenous dogs to promote the adoption of more Indian dogs, rather than purchasing international breeds.

Indian dogs, or Indies, are overlooked in India for adoption and often live on the streets, surviving on garbage for food.

Founder of Mumbai-based animal shelter and rescue World For All (WFA) Taronish Bulsara said, although many people believe Indie dogs are unattractive and “dirty”, they are actually “lovely”.

"The difference between a dog adopted from the streets, and one that's in your house, is the same as the difference between you and a homeless person on the street,” Mr Bulsara said.

“If the homeless person on the street is groomed and has the capability of looking after themselves and eating healthy, then the homeless person is going to look as decent as you and I."

There are about 250,000 Indies alone that live on the streets of Mumbai.

"It's an understatement to say that there are a lot of Indies that are homeless and needy," Mr Bulsara said.

The WFA Canine Centre accommodates about 100 dogs, but most are Indies.

Registered medical practitioner Harleen Arora adopted an Indie puppy last year, naming her Lachi.

Being a medical practitioner Ms Arora said she’s very proud to be saving a life.

"When you save an Indie’s life and provide them with a better and healthier life, you cannot compare it to anything," she said.

“​​There is legitimately no cost to life, it's a very precious thing.” 

One dog at the WFA Canine Centre, Noorie, was rescued in October 2020.

Last year she was found brutally assaulted and left bleeding to death.

After being rescued and taken into surgery, an 11-inch wooden rod was found inserted into her sexual organs, damaging her internal organs.

Mr Bulsara said that despite the trauma Noorie went through, she is still very loving and trusting of humans.

"She had a horrible past, and I feel a lot of pride in how bravely she's come out of this trauma and put it behind her,” he said.

“She's very special, they're all very special."

Mr Bulsara said Indies are a better fit for households in India than international dogs because imported dogs find the tropical climate of India too harsh.

“What is the point of bringing in another [imported] dog, adding to the dog’s suffering, while not helping these Indies that need a home,” he said.

“[Indies] are as loving, they keep better health, they live longer lives, and are definitely needier.”