Are These The Cutest Indian Dogs Alive? PETA's Contest Is Down To Its Top 10 & You Decide Who Wins

The recent spate of incidents involving the slaughter and sometimes torture of stray dogs in India have left the country’s animal lovers dejected. Step outside and you’re sure to come across at least one stray along your journey. These little canines are usually friendly, lovable and just waiting for someone to give them the home they want so desperately. But because of the massive numbers this isn’t always possible and soon their plight is pushed to the back of your mind and forgotten. PETA India has found a way to change this and make sure that people remember how rewarding it is to make a stray a part of your family.
Their fifth annual edition of the ‘Cutest Indian Dog Alive’ Contest is underway and you can be sure, there is no shortage of adorable faces in their line-up. Each of their contestants are rescues, dogs that had been abandoned, abused and unloved until they found themselves up for adoption and then delivered to the sanctuary of loving homes and families. Hundreds of families entered their beloved pooch but rules are rules and now only 10 remain. The 10 finalists were chosen by PETA’s judges. Equal consideration is given to three factors:  the total number of votes received, PETA’s assessment of the physical attractiveness of the dog and PETA’s assessment of how heart-warming and motivational the submitted rescue story is For the final round voting has been turned over to the public and the ultimate winner will be announced on September 28.
PETA India hopes to impress upon people the dire need to adopt rather than buying pedigree dogs. Pedigree breeders are usually in the business for the money. The often mistreat the mothers, forcing them to have litter after litter of puppies that are then ripped away from her and sold off. By adopting strays you can cut down the illicit, cruel trade while also giving a home to dog that would otherwise live a short and painful life. They need the support of humans and people should remember that bringing a desi doggie into your life will save many more animals along the way. PETA has issued a request to everyone who wants to own a pet ‘We work toward the day that all homeless dogs and cats find loving homes. And this is only possible if people stop breeding dogs, stops buying animals from pet stores and adopt homeless animals and get their companion animals sterilized.’ Hopefully this contest will get their message heard.

Meet the 10 finalists below. Try your best to pick the cutest and vote here!

I. Browny

Browny was just 2 months old when he was rescued by Supriya from a pit he had fallen into. Supriya took him home and loves him like a “little brother”.

II. Lassie

Lassie was badly injured and bruised when Marbaniang found her on the road. She took her to vet and get her treated. Now, Lassie is happy in her loving home.

III. Lotus

Tariang helped rescued Lotus, who was scared and hiding in a sewer. Her husband didn’t think twice before entering the sewer to pull the dog out. Lotus is now living happily as a member of their family

IV. Multicolor

Sharma rescued cute Multicolor, who had fallen into a deep pit and was crying for help. And she is now the pup’s proud guardian.

V. Nekti Karmakar

Nekti was found crying and shaking in fear after her mother was hit by a car – and Karmakar gave her a helping hand. She is now a big part of her life, and the two are inseparable – Karmakar shares every moment she can with her “sister”.

VI. Petu

Peres rescued Petu, who was being bullied by other dogs. His left eye was injured, but he eventually recovered and became a loving member of Peres’ family.

VII. Rosco

When his human Spandana saw Rosco, he was tied to a tea stall and looked hungry. When she realized that no one was taking proper care of him, she decided to adopt him. Rosco is now a happy and loving dog and greets everyone with kisses.

VIII. Snowy

Snowy was found huddling in a dirty corner, shivering. He had painful scabs on his back. Nambiar took him to a vet, and after several weeks, his health improved. Snowy now has a special place in Nambiar’s heart and home.

IX. Jinke

Jinke had been abused and was covered with wounds when Surya rescued him. Jinke is now a permanent member of his family.

X. Chiku

Chiku was crying and wounded when Mukherjee found the little white puppy. Chiku’s left leg was injured. Mukherjee took him to vet for treatment and kept him in his family.

Dogs Stories and Feature Image Courtesy PETA India