Guwahati, May 5: Assam police last night rescued 52 dogs that were being transported illegally to Nagaland from a mini truck in Upper Assam's Nagaon district.

Out of the 75 dogs that were being transported, 23 died because of dehydration and asphyxiation in captivity.

The police arrested four persons - Prakash Momin, Sanio Sangma, Raju Momin and Paobeng Sangma - who were trafficking the dogs from Rupahi in the same district, about 13km from where they were apprehended.

"The accused had drugged the stray dogs in Rupahi with intoxicant-laced biscuits. After the dogs fell unconscious, they taped their mouth so that they could not make any noise. According to their statement, they were expecting good money for the dogs from clients in Dimapur," Rajib Barman, officer-in-charge of Samaguri police station, said.

The police said the dogs were captured in this manner over several days.

The vehicle transporting the dogs was intercepted by locals last night. Later, they informed the police.

The police booked the men under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and seized the vehicle. The surviving dogs were handed over to People For Animals (PFA) - an organisation working against cruelty on animals - today.

The dogs were later brought to the PFA's shelter at Chachal here in Guwahati.

"Such incidents are unfortunate and condemnable. The dogs seemed to be in trauma and disoriented. It's a pity that 23 dogs could not be saved," Sangeeta Goswami, chairperson of the NGO, said.

Dog meat is considered a delicacy in Nagaland, and according to some beliefs, a rich source of iron and other nutrients. A dog fetches Rs 400 to Rs 500 in Dimapur and Kohima where there is no ban on its sale and consumption.

However, Nagaland is in the process of banning dog meat. In July last year, the state had asked the directorate of municipal affairs to direct the urban local bodies to discourage dog meat sale and consumption.