‘Proper diet can help improve survival of imported dog breeds’

NAVI MUMBAI: Following the recent incident wherein nine pedigree dogs were found malnourished, rescuers and activists are divided over imported breeds brought in for breeding or rearing. While some believe the climatic conditions are not appropriate, others say the know-how is important and with proper environment, care and diet, the breeds are able to survive.
Animal activist Aarti Chauhan, who has been involved in rescues operations, said that imported breeds are nothing but a show-off for owners. “They call themselves pet lovers but they look down upon local breeds and Indie dogs. I am not in favour of these dogs being brought in and bred,” she said. Chauhan added that most of these breeds come from places where the weather varies and differs from ours. “How can we expect these dogs to adapt to our climate. To me, the best breed is the Indie dog that survives under any condition,” she said.
Meanwhile, another activist said that these dogs can be well bred if pet owners follow the necessary guidelines. “With proper guidance, diet and controlled living, these dogs can survive,” said Sagar Savla, trustee of Bhumi Jeevdaya, which is a shelter at Turbhe where rescued animals are being treated. “It has become common for unusual breeds to be available locally. Many times they are also imported, however most of these owners are unaware of how to care for these pets,” he said.
He was also of the opinion that people get these breeds as a status symbol without doing any research about their living. “With Huskies being priced at around Rs 60,000 per pup and St Bernards selling at Rs 30,000 onwards, it is not meant for the common man. So while families might have funds, they often lack the knowledge of how to look after these animals,” he said.
Animal rescuer Helena Parikh said that one doesn’t find expensive breeds abandoned simply because families have paid a lot of money for them. “Instead, they end up being malnourished and sick and before they know it they are in need of medical attention,” she added.