Unmasking India's Illegal Pet Trade

Episode 48 of the The Good Sight Podcast podcast, hosted by The Good Sight Podcast, titled "Unmasking India's Illegal Pet Trade" was published on June 11, 2025 and runs 35 minutes.

June 11, 2025 ·35m · The Good Sight Podcast

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Summary

When we think of dogs, we picture wagging tails, wet noses, and boundless affection. But hidden behind the glossy windows of pet shops and Instagram-perfect puppy photos is a dark and disturbing reality — one of illegal breeding, neglected animals, and systemic cruelty.In this powerful episode, we speak with Alokparna Sengupta, a trailblazer in India’s animal welfare movement and the Managing Director of Humane World for Animals – India (formerly Humane Society International/India). With over 15 years of tireless advocacy, Alokparna shares eye-opening insights into the cruel underbelly of the pet industry and the ongoing battle to reform it through rescue operations, policy change, and public education.This is a conversation about compassion, accountability, and the urgent need to protect our most voiceless companions.Discussion HighlightsWhat constitutes illegal pet breeding and sales in India — and why it’s more widespread than you thinkDisturbing real-life cases from the field that expose systemic crueltyWhy buying pets online or from pet shops often fuels a cycle of exploitationThe role of legislation and how effective current laws really areThe post-pandemic spike in pet abandonment and its underlying causesTips for ethical pet adoption and how to be a responsible pet parentHumane World India’s holistic approach: rescue, rehab, reform, and educationA deep dive into the #NoMore50 campaign and how you can be part of a historic push for stronger animal protection laws in India If you love animals, you can’t afford to miss this one.

Episode Description

In this powerful episode, we speak with Alokparna Sengupta, a trailblazer in India’s animal welfare movement and the Managing Director of Humane World for Animals – India (formerly Humane Society International/India). With over 15 years of tireless advocacy, Alokparna shares eye-opening insights into the cruel underbelly of the pet industry and the ongoing battle to reform it through rescue operations, policy change, and public education.

This is a conversation about compassion, accountability, and the urgent need to protect our most voiceless companions.

Discussion Highlights

What constitutes illegal pet breeding and sales in India — and why it’s more widespread than you think
Disturbing real-life cases from the field that expose systemic cruelty

Why buying pets online or from pet shops often fuels a cycle of exploitation
The role of legislation and how effective current laws really are
The post-pandemic spike in pet abandonment and its underlying causes
Tips for ethical pet adoption and how to be a responsible pet parent
Humane World India’s holistic approach: rescue, rehab, reform, and education
A deep dive into the #NoMore50 campaign and how you can be part of a historic push for stronger animal protection laws in India

If you love animals, you can’t afford to miss this one.