Guwahati, July 10 -- In what animal welfare groups describe as one of the biggest setbacks to the dog meat trade in northeast India in recent years, three long-time dog meat wholesalers in Nagaland have permanently abandoned the business after more than two decades, surrendering the last 18 dogs in their possession and switching to alternative livelihoods.

The three wholesalers, who supplied dogs to meat markets in Dimapur and Mokokchung districts as well as neighbouring Manipur, have joined a livelihood transition programme that trains former traders in sustainable businesses such as mushroom cultivation and pickle making.

Their exit is expected to significantly disrupt a key supply chain of the trade, which depends on networks of traf...