After it was discovered that many tourists were conducting illegal trades and leaving foreign breeds behind, the Animal Welfare Board has decided to restrict entry to dogs of temporary visa holders
Foreign tourists planning a short visit to the country may have to leave their furry friends back home. With constant complaints of foreign breeds being abandoned in the country, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) may soon restrict entry of foreign dogs into the country if owners are found coming on temporary visas.
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Recently, it was brought to the attention of the board that many foreign tourists were running illegal trades in the country where they were found selling foreign breeds at high prices and using the same money to fund their stay in the country.
“We have been receiving many such complaints where foreign dogs are brought into the country as companion dogs and are left behind. We have decided to get strict with this menace, which is growing in the country,” said Dr S Chinny Krishna, vice chairman, AWBI.
Krishna added that the board is planning to restrict entry of any foreign breed for tourists with temporary visas. “Only those who are planning a long stay should be allowed to bring their dogs in the country. We have called for a board meeting, after which we will decide over the stern action that we will take to curb the issue,” said Krishna.
The board had also decided to write to the appropriate Ministry to stop the practice since 90 per cent of these breeds are not suited to survive in Indian climatic conditions. “Delhi is the worst state of all, followed by Mumbai and other metropolitan cities. The board should be kept in the loop about any animal brought into the country. We need to stop these trades as these dogs may survive during winter but not other Indian seasons,” Krishna added.