Itanagar, Sep 16: The Bene village authorities headed by its Head Gaon Burah (HGB) in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh has issued an order authorizing the shoot -at-sight order of stray dogs.
The order, issued on September 8 and scheduled for enforcement from September 15, 2025, directed villagers to shoot any stray dogs in Bene and nearby areas, aimed at curbing the increasing incidents of rabies. The directive, signed by local leaders claimed the mass killings as necessary to “restrict the spread of rabies”.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups, activists, and citizens who called it both unlawful and inhumane.
The Arunachal Animal Welfare Society (AAWS) on Monday, lodged a formal complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of West Siang, branding the decision as a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and also the Supreme Court directives, which forbids killing of dogs as a method of population control. “Only sterilisation and vaccination are lawful and humane methods,” noted the AAWS in its memorandum, signed by Dr. Heri Roshni and Jumphi Gadi.
The group further argued that culling would not resolve the rabies threat and instead called for mass vaccination, sterilisation drives, and awareness programmes on responsible pet ownership. It warned that the order could draw national and international outrage while creating fear among villagers who rely on dogs for companionship and protection.
Anger has also spilled onto social media, where residents condemned the decision as “barbaric” and accused village leaders of acting without justification. The AAWS has urged the administration to immediately revoke the order and direct veterinary and health officials to implement lawful control measures.
The controversy has now ignited a broader debate in Arunachal Pradesh over the balance between protecting public health and upholding animal welfare, exposing the ethical complexities of managing rabies outbreaks in rural communities.
