Colonial Legacy in Pet Preferences: UPSC Relevance of Indigenous Dog Adoption

Hindustan Times - India · 27 Feb 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Social issues Mains · GS1 Society Medium relevance

The article highlights India's colonial hangover in preferring foreign dog breeds over native 'Indie' dogs, reflecting broader societal biases and the need for cultural reorientation in animal welfare.

Key points

Indie dogs are native to India, adapted to the climate, disease-resistant, and low-maintenance, yet overlooked due to colonial-era biases favoring foreign breeds.

The preference for foreign breeds like Labradors reflects social hierarchy and class aspirations, with pets becoming status symbols rather than companions.

Swadeshi principles, often invoked in economic and cultural contexts, are paradoxically absent in pet adoption choices, revealing inconsistencies in nationalist narratives.

[GS2-Governance] This issue connects to animal welfare policies under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, highlighting gaps in enforcement and public awareness.

[GS1-Society] The colonial mindset in pet preferences mirrors broader societal hierarchies, where indigenous traits are undervalued compared to Western imports.

Animal welfare organizations like PETA India and local NGOs advocate for Indie dog adoption, but systemic change requires policy intervention and public education.

The article underscores the need for cultural reorientation to align pet adoption practices with India's ecological and social realities.

Way Forward: The government should launch awareness campaigns promoting Indie dog adoption, incentivize shelters to prioritize native breeds, and integrate animal welfare into school curricula to foster early empathy.

Key terms

Indie dogs

Native Indian dogs, often called 'pariah dogs,' are naturally evolved breeds adapted to local climates and resistant to diseases. Their UPSC relevance lies in their connection to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and animal welfare policies under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Swadeshi

An economic and cultural principle advocating self-reliance and indigenous production. In the UPSC context, it relates to GS3 (Economy) and GS1 (Culture), highlighting contradictions in India's adoption of foreign goods and practices over native alternatives.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

A legal framework to prevent animal suffering and promote welfare. For UPSC, it is significant for GS2 (Governance) and GS4 (Ethics), as it intersects with enforcement challenges, ethical treatment of animals, and public policy.

Social hierarchy

A system of stratification based on class, status, or wealth. In UPSC, this concept is crucial for GS1 (Society) and GS2 (Social Justice), as it explains biases in pet adoption and broader societal inequalities.