Animal welfare activists were shocked to discover nearly 40 Siberian Huskies abandoned on the Shankarpally-Patancheru road on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Tuesday. Rescue teams from Aasra Foundation and Swan NGO responded to distress calls, but by the time they arrived at the remote, forest-like spot, the situation was dire. One dog was found dead and decomposed, while others had scattered into the woods or been picked up by passersby.
Kiran Kumar, one of the rescuers, told reporters that the Huskies appeared to have been offloaded from a truck a few days earlier. The group managed to save six dogs – including adults and pups – which were rushed to NGO facilities for treatment of dehydration and heat exhaustion. “Efforts to locate the remaining dogs continue, but the heat poses a grave risk,” Kumar said. Police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and are investigating, including CCTV footage review.
The incident underscores a rising trend of exotic pet abandonment in Hyderabad, where Siberian Huskies – bred for Arctic conditions – struggle in the city’s tropical climate. Their thick coats make them prone to heatstroke above 30°C, and high maintenance costs often lead owners to discard them. Just weeks ago, eight Huskies were rescued from Nacharam, with one puppy succumbing [previous context]. Veterinarians from Swan NGO noted the rescued dogs showed signs of neglect but are responding to IV fluids and care.
Local activists, including those from People for Animals Hyderabad, decried the “inhumanity” and called for stricter regulations on exotic pet imports and mandatory awareness programs. “These are not accessories; they need responsible ownership,” said Dr. Priya Reddy, a Swan veterinarian. GHMC animal control teams joined searches, distributing water stations near the site.
Social media amplified calls for justice, with #HyderabadHuskiesRescue trending locally. As rehabilitation begins for the six survivors, welfare groups seek foster homes. Authorities urge the public to report sightings and discourage impulse adoptions of unsuitable breeds. The case highlights the urgent need for better enforcement and education to curb pet abandonment in urban India.
