Leh-Ladakh, a region unique in its culture and ecology, has witnessed a gradual shift from traditional rural practices to urbanization. This transformation encompasses modern housing, clothing, technologies, and a departure from traditional practices that once maintained ecological balance.

Agriculture, for instance, was historically carried out using primitive methods involving oxen, bulls, donkeys, and horses for ploughing, which enriched soil fertility and supported sustainable crop production. However, urbanization has introduced machinery, replacing animals in agricultural and household tasks for efficiency and convenience.

Similarly, dogs, once integral as guardians stationed at the entrances of homes, are now increasingly abandoned. The rise in popularity of exotic dog breeds has contributed to the neglect of local breeds, resulting in an uncontrolled surge in their population despite preventive measures by animal welfare organizations. Stray dogs now proliferate across colonies, roads, riversides, and waste dumps, posing threats to public safety and causing frequent, often unreported, accidents. In some cases, harmful practices such as poisoning and culling have been used to manage their numbers.

Other domestic animals like oxen, donkeys, and horses also face neglect, often abandoned during non-agricultural seasons and later reclaimed for farm work. Many are injured or killed in road accidents while scavenging for food in urban areas.

In response to these growing issues, organizations such as Chamba Animal Welfare Society and Semchan Welfare Society in Leh have stepped in, advocating for the welfare of stray and abandoned animals while raising awareness about responsible animal care.

Phuntsog Wangial, President, Chamba Animal Welfare Society, Thiksey: Chamba Animal Welfare Society was established on 7th July 2024, inaugurated by renowned animal activist Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in the presence of His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche and His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche. The society visions to provide care for sick and injured animals, rescue them from distress, and rehabilitate. It aims to work on sterilization programs and fight against animal cruelty while raising awareness about animal welfare among the public. 

The organization currently looks after around 280 stray dogs, rescued due to sickness or accidents. Recently, the shelter has also decided to accommodate stray bulls and donkeys, found neglected and abandoned, particularly during the harsh winter months. Surprisingly, complaints about abandoned cats are also increasing, thus the organisation is planning to extend its care to them as well. Stray dogs, however, remain the most abandoned animals in Leh throughout the year. 

The abandonment of domestic animals and the increasing dog population are alarming concern in Leh, possessing threat to both animal welfare and public safety despite initiatives like sterilization by Animal Husbandry which has been carried on successfully. A comprehensive approach involving mass sterilization, better coordination among stakeholders, and proper allocation of responsibilities is an urgent need to address this issue effectively. Community involvement is essential to support sterilization programs, especially by assisting dog catchers and ensuring stray dogs are made friendly within their respective territory. 

NGOs play a critical role in supporting animal welfare in filling the gaps where government initiatives may lack. They provide shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation for abandoned and injured animals while actively participating in sterilization programs, promoting awareness about animal welfare, and combating animal cruelty. Their efforts not only benefit animals but also contribute to community health and safety by addressing issues like overpopulation and disease among stray animals. 

Stray dogs often succumb to diseases such as canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus, and severe infections caused by untreated wounds. These diseases are highly contagious and can be fatal if not addressed promptly. When such cases are reported, the society conducts rescue operations and brings the affected animals to the shelter for treatment. With the help of veterinarians and staff, the animals receive medical care, rehabilitation, and continuous monitoring until recovery.  

Seeing the rising population, especially of dogs in the localities, cases of animal cruelty, such as beatings, neglect, and abandonment, have become common. Many strays also suffer from injuries caused by road accidents, which highlights the urgent need for public awareness campaigns. Addressing these issues requires stricter enforcement of animal protection laws and a shift in public attitudes toward compassion and responsibility for animals.  

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, animal exploitation, including mistreatment and killing of stray dogs, is punishable by fines and imprisonment. In severe cases of cruelty toward stray dogs, the punishment can extend upto 5 years of imprisonment. However, such cases are rarely reported in Leh, hence no significant legal action has been recorded against offenders. This highlights the need for better enforcement of animal protection laws and increased awareness among the public to report such incidents.

Chamba Animal Welfare Society, with the support of various student unions, organized a week-long awareness campaign in July 2024 at Leh Market and Thiksey. The campaign aimed to educate the public about animal welfare, sterilization programs, and the prevention of cruelty to animals. This initiative was well-received, and the society plans to conduct a similar campaign in 2025 with even greater effectiveness.

Administration, including Animal Husbandry Leh, supports sterilization efforts, but there is an urgent need to increase funding and coordinated action. Government need to stress upom implementing a two-year mass sterilization program across Leh, by assigning animal welfare organizations specific areas of responsibility. This collaborative approach requires a special budget allocation to effectively control the stray dog population and ensure proper care for animals in the region.

Jigmet Nurzin, President, Semchan Welfare Society, Leh: In 2022, I had the privilege to meet Madam Deena, who became my mentor and a key figure in advocating welfare of dogs in Leh. She was already working individually to help the dogs in the region, our common vision instantly brought us together. We both wanted to create something truly special for dogs—an amazing shelter to give them care, safety, and love. Madam Deena’s encouragement and support were pivotal in turning the vision into a reality. She inspired me to take actions immediately, instead of waiting for the ‘perfect time.’ Her belief in the cause pushed me to start the shelter without any hesitation. All the credit for this initiative goes to Madam Deena for not only being a mentor but also for motivation and inspiration”.

The organisation started with a prime focus on rescuing dogs, providing them a safe environment, particularly to address the growing population of feral dogs in Leh hence it started with an aim to control dog population and offer them a haven. 

“While working, we’ve seen a disturbing trend: a declination of compassion towards animals. A pervasive mindset where some people believe they own the earth, forgetting that it is a shared home for all species. We have also noticed an alarming pattern of animal abandonment, particularly puppies and male calves (bulls). Sadly, such cases rise during the harsh winters, with a significant rise in the number of puppies left behind, often shivering in the cold or thrown out onto abandoned roads. It’s heart wrenching because the shelter cannot accommodate all, puppies abandoned without their mothers causes deep emotional pain for both the puppies and the mothers. Having lived with dogs and observed them closely, I can say with certainty that they experience emotions just like us”.

Our mission goes beyond just rescuing animals; it’s about changing how people view and treat animals, understanding that they deserve love, care, and respect just as much as any human being.

Abandoning dogs, specially puppies any where undermines the sterilisation effort conducted by municipality, animal husbandry and veterinary services. For example, sterilisation was conducted on all the feral dogs in Skara, new puppies show up after a gap, proves that they have been dumped or abandoned. These puppies aren’t sterilised, so they eventually reproduce, and the cycle continues. Dog population cannot be controlled successfully without public awareness. Every individual needs to understand their role and responsibility in tackling the issue. 

NGOs play a crucial role in promoting compassion, protecting animal rights, and creating a sustainable environment. They have wide ranging functions such as rescuing and rehabilitating; controlling their population; protecting Animal Rights; promoting compassion and empathy; educating public and many more. Most of the NGOs in often focus on controlling dog population due to its crowd.   

Diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Canine Hepatitis, Kennel Cough, Tick-Borne diseases, Transmissible Venereal Tumour(TVT) can affect dogs. The most concerning diseases we deal with are parvovirus, distemper and TVT. These illnesses are highly contagious, making it essential to take strict precautions while handling infected animals. Staff handling infected animals should take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Preventive measures that can be considered are, wearing protective gloves and masks, discarding any clothing or equipment used during rescue process. Additionally, the rescued dog should be kept completely isolated from other animals until it has fully recovered. 

“Thankfully, our team is well-versed in administering the right medications and providing the necessary care”. 

In a place like Leh, where people are known for compassion, humanity and kindness, encountering dogs poisoned and fall victim to this cruelty is heartbreaking and devastating. In 2023, during the first teachings of the Dalai Lama in Leh, we found four dogs poisoned at the same location. The pain and suffering they endured are beyond words, and tragically, all four of them passed away. How could anyone lose their humanity to such an extent? Poisoning is so lethal that dogs have very little chance of survival. A miracle happened when one victim survived, who was poisoned at that same location. Surviving it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength animals have, even in the face of the worst cruelty. Most of our rescue missions involve dogs run over by vehicles, especially during the summer. We find dogs with broken legs or hips, left unable to walk for the rest of their lives. The emotional toll is heavy, but we do everything we can to give them a chance for a better life. 

Laws protecting animals are becoming stricter globally, but in India, the penalties for animal cruelty are relatively mild. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, those found guilty of animal cruelty may face a fine as low as ₹50 or up to 3 months in prison. In more severe cases, the fine can rise to ₹1,000 and imprisonment can extend to 2 years. For killing an animal cruelly, such as poisoning or beating, Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) may result in up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine. “I truly believe India needs stricter laws to protect animals. Animal lovers have to face harassment for showing some kindness like feeding stray dogs. It’s crucial for people to understand that animals have the right to live peacefully among us, and those who harm them should face serious consequences. It’s time we push for better enforcement, stricter laws, and greater public awareness about animal welfare. Ladakh Police assists us in taking action but there haven't been any convictions for these crimes yet.

Semchan Welfare Society is still in the early stages of our journey, work tirelessly every day to rescue and provide care for those in need. The organisation is yet to launch large-scale awareness campaigns, it is the daily challenges and struggles that drive us forward and define our unique approach. Our goal is to leverage platforms like yours and other resources to educate the public about animal welfare. We have also initiated several discussions with government officials regarding animal safety, feeding programs, and sterilisation efforts.

The administration has been incredibly active and supportive when it comes to animal care in Leh. They are consistent in ensuring a better environment for animals, being evident of their commitment. The issue of feral dogs is highly challenging, but the administration has been doing its best to control their population through various initiatives. NGOs were provided with essential support in the form of medical supplies, food, ambulance vans, and more. They provided us 200 bags of rice for the winter feeding program, helping us care for around 800 stray dogs, shade tint sheets for our shelter, making it more comfortable for the animals.We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our Principle secretary, DC Sir, and the Municipal heads for their tremendous support. This collaboration has been vital to our efforts, and we are grateful for their continued partnership in ensuring the well-being of animals in Leh.