Belagavi's Inaugural Dog and Cat Show 2026 Draws Enthusiastic Public Response
The first-ever Dog and Cat Show-2026, organized by the Belagavi zilla panchayat in collaboration with the district animal husbandry and veterinary services department, received an overwhelmingly positive public response on Monday. Held at Sardar Maidan in Belagavi city, the event showcased a remarkable variety of pets, attracting thousands of animal lovers from the region.
Impressive Participation from Diverse Breeds
The exhibition featured an impressive total of 325 dogs representing 25 different breeds, alongside 78 cats from 9 distinct breeds. The dogs' performances, which demonstrated their skills, obedience, and affectionate nature, captivated the attention of attendees. Among the canine participants were popular breeds such as the Mudhol Hound, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Beagle, and Siberian Husky.
Other notable breeds included the Rajapalayam, Maltese, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, Pug, Dachshund, Dobermann, Boxer, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pit Bull, Pomeranian, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, Great Dane, and various local breeds. The feline section showcased breeds like the Indian Mau, Persian, Himalayan, Siamese, and indigenous varieties, adding to the event's diversity.
Ministerial Emphasis on Pet Loyalty and Awareness
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who inaugurated the show, emphasized the unmatched love and loyalty of dogs. He stated, "Dogs are trustworthy animals and, if they are taken into confidence, they will not harm anyone. More awareness is being created about dogs, and other problems arise due to dog infestation. Therefore, in addition to looking at them with love, we should all allow them to live like us." His remarks highlighted the importance of compassionate coexistence with pets.
Presiding over the event, MLA Raju underscored the role of dogs in society, noting that they are people-friendly and can help reduce crime rates. He added, "Domesticated dogs work loyally. If people develop the habit of treating dogs with love and being with them with trust, it will be easier to live with animals." He called upon animal lovers and the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to collaborate on awareness initiatives.
High-Profile Attendance and Community Engagement
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Sindhe, Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, and Animal Husbandry Department Deputy Director Dr. Anand Patil. Their presence underscored the significance of the show in promoting animal welfare and community engagement.
The successful turnout and active participation reflect a growing interest in pet care and animal husbandry in Belagavi. This inaugural event sets a promising precedent for future editions, potentially making it an annual highlight for pet enthusiasts in the region.
