Siberian husky tragedy in Telangana exposes India's cruel exotic pet culture

Cruelty towards animals remains a pressing issue in India. This was driven home further when on April 28, eight Siberian huskies were found abandoned on the roadside, near a village in Telangana.

According to local reports, more than 30 dogs were deserted in the same area, raising fresh concerns about neglect and accountability. The incident came to light when an animal rescue group, Animal Shelter for Rescue Aid (AASRA), was alerted by a local pet owner about the condition of the abandoned dogs.

An AASRA top official said they received the call that 30 dogs were left unattended on the road and that the person, who raised the alarm owned a golden retriever and was moved by the plight of the huskies.

Also read: Animal activist Chinny Krishna: Pet owners, not pets, to be blamed for attacks

By the time the rescue operation was launched, many Huskies were taken away by passersbys, while some had fled inside nearby forested areas to find relief from the scorching heat. One also died.

Six dogs were rescued initially, and they were sent to an NGO facility for treatment.

Far-from-ideal pet-keeping scene

In India, besides the shoddy pet-keeping scenario, ethical breeding too remains unregulated in the country. Many buyers remain blissfully unaware that they are unknowingly supporting unethical puppy-producing mills, where animals often live in poor conditions.

Moreover, people often keep exotic breeds at home despite living in a place that is hot and humid. Besides lack of awareness, factors such as status symbols, media and celebrity influence play a role in people keeping such pets, ignoring the indigenous ones that can adjust well with the local conditions.

For exotic breeds that are meant for cool temperatures, including the Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Saint Bernards, high temperatures mean they struggle to manage their body temperatures, and their shorter airways means they find it challenging to pant effectively to cool down, leading to breathing problems.

Infections in furry and wrinkly skin also affect many of these breeds. Not many affluent pet-buyers in India are aware of the socialisation process involving pets either.

Foreign breeds for social status

As a celebrity reel or post online sparks a desire to get one of those pets, they approach the breeders.

The breeders are unregulated and unscrupulous. The dogs are bred with little regard for genetic health and temperament screening. They are also often sold young before proper socialisation training.

There are ferocious breeds such as Rottweilers and Pitbulls that are kept for security reasons and for their loyal and intimidating nature, but sometimes they can prove to be fatal for people, including their own keepers.

Also read: Hundreds of stray dogs killed and buried in pits: The inhuman act shaking Telangana

The breed dog's ordeal begins when they reach their owner’s house. Meant for Siberian winters, a Husky suffers in Chennai or Kolkata’s humidity. Even the Golden Retrievers, which are known to be moderately tempered and friendly, are not appropriate for Indian conditions due to their thick coat, which is more suitable for cold temperatures.

Also, space is a concern. A large breed paces endlessly in a 2BHK flat.

Foreign breeds get dumped

Owners, unprepared for exercise demands, grooming costs, and behavioural needs, struggle to cope. The luckier ones are rehomed and trained, but many are just abandoned.

Rescue shelters across Indian cities report a steep rise in cases of foreign breeds being dumped.

Also read: Karnataka burdens its teachers with new duty: Controlling stray dogs

In all, the tragedy here is not caused by the pet’s unsuitability — it is the culture of impulse buying, irresponsible breeding, and the absence of awareness that turns a living creature into a lifestyle accessory.