Are you the proud owner of a rescued Indian dog? If yes, you’re in for a treat. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India recently announced a national contest for people whose dogs were adopted from animal shelters or the street. Titled “Cutest Indian Dog Alive”, the contest invites photos of these rescued canine companions and promises a host of prizes including “My Dog Is a Rescue” T-shirts and autographed books from PETA president Ingrid Newkirk. Photographs of all winning entries will also be published in the PETA India magazine.
Some of PETA’s celebrity ambassadors who adopted homeless pets include actors Trisha, Kalki Koechlin and Imran Khan. “PETA encourages people to adopt a dog from a shelter or the street instead of buying them from breeders and pet stores. When people buy animals, it means one less good home available to a homeless dog,” says Chani Singh, campaign coordinator, PETA India. “By adopting Indian dogs, these individuals have brought joy into their lives while rescuing the animals from the dangers of living on the streets or spending their lives waiting in cages at a shelter. While there will only be one first place winner of the contest, all rescued dogs are winners.”
The contest also asks people to give a brief description of how they rescued their pet, and this story will be factored in while judging the winner. Representatives from PETA reveal that this contest is a part of their goal to discourage the pet trade. “It is simply irresponsible for anyone to breed or buy animals when there are millions of homeless dogs and cats languishing on the streets and in animal shelters,” says Singh.
Filmmaker and CEO of Asthtva Foundation Poongkothai Chandrahasan is looking forward to entering her rescued dog Bambi in the contest. Bambi was rescued from the street as a malnourished puppy several years ago and starred in last year’s PETA adoption ad. “I am entering my beautiful baby girl Bambi in the contest,” she says. “PETA’s effort to encourage the adoption of Indian dogs is important as there are thousands of heartbreakingly beautiful puppies languishing on the streets waiting for a place to call home. It’s our duty to encourage others to give a home to a puppy from the street or from a shelter. Bambi is the love of my life, and the best decision I ever made was to give her a home.”
To participate in the Cutest Indian Dog Alive contest (no entry fee), visit >www.petaindia.com . The contest is for residents of India. The call for entries closes on August 22.
