Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Bombay Dog Riots: When Parsis Challenged British Rule
A long time ago, in 1832, the British in Bombay wanted to get rid of stray dogs.
The Parsis, who believe dogs are special, got very upset.
They protested because they thought it was wrong to hurt the dogs.
Other people joined in, and they stopped work and blocked supplies.
The British were surprised and scared.
Finally, they agreed to stop killing the dogs and move them away instead.
This shows how much people can care about animals!
In 1832, the British administration in Bombay decreed the killing of stray dogs.
This decree was met with opposition from the Parsi community, who revere dogs.
Tensions escalated into riots and protests, involving multiple communities.
Protesters blocked supplies and demanded the decree's cancellation.
The British eventually agreed to stop the killings and relocate the dogs.
- Who
- Parsi community and other residents of Bombay against the British administration.
- What
- A protest against a British decree to kill stray dogs in Bombay.
- When
- 1832
- Where
- Bombay (Mumbai)
- Why
- The Parsi community's religious reverence for dogs and the decree's perceived sacrilege.
Parsi Community
British Administration
Dog's Value
Parsi Community
Dogs are sacred and should not be killed.
British Administration
The British administration viewed stray dogs as a health and safety issue.
- Event
- Bombay Dog Riots
- Year
- 1832
- Location
- Bombay (Mumbai)
- Cause
- British decree to cull stray dogs
- Key Participants
- Parsi community, British administration
- Outcome
- Decree stopped, dogs relocated.