Dogs are man’s best friends, but in India Indie dogs or dogs indegenous to the country find themselves being scornfully treated by humans. Although there are around nine known varieties of Indies, they are the least preferred breed in India when it comes to pets.
Straying onto dirt roads of far south western Tehran foraging for food, these dogs do not fear humans anymore. On a cold morning of one the last days of winter, a municipality worker shoots a napping homeless dog, but with non-lethal bullets. Their practice was very different less than two years ago. The easiest way to deal with stray animals used to be shooting them to death. Municipality authorities now claim that not a single dog is shot. In 2015, a video showing the dogs dying while moaning in agony went rapidly viral sparking widespread outrage and prompting animal rights activists as well as celebrities to protest. An animal activist who filmed it in the city of Shiraz, central Iran claimed that the private contractors were paid about $4 for each dog they killed.
Duchess and Pepper, two Golden Retrievers look slightly confused as their owners exchange marital garlands and have them walk around a fire to complete their marital vows in traditional Hindu-style. A priest stands by and chants mantras in Sanskrit as people throw flowers on the newly weds. "We are looking for a good groom, good house, so that she can meet her partner," says 34-year-old Palomita Ghosh, who is the owner of the bride, Duchess. The Glam Dogs Show and Olympiad brings together dog owners in Mumbai who are looking for the perfect mate for their pet. Weddings are on offer for those who want it.
