Editorial photo #13723862 Human Interest
Indian Pariah Dog - Himalayan Foothills - Supreme Court Of India - Border Of West Bengal And Sikkim
An Indian Pariah Dog crosses a temporary bamboo bridge over the Rishi River from Sikkim into West Bengal, India, on April 18, 2026. These dogs, known for their resilience and loyalty, are well-adapted to the region and often accompany trekkers in the Himalayas. Sikkim honors dogs annually during the Kukur Tihar festival, celebrating them as representations of Yama, the god of death. Recently, the Indian Supreme Court mandated that stray dogs removed from public areas must be housed in shelters, upholding a 2025 order for their confinement at Animal Birth Control centers. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)
