Animal rights activists called for changes to municipal regulations concerning dog breeding. This protest followed a disturbing discovery: a recently giving birth dog was found dead, hanged on a chain above the wall of a residential building in Phoenix on Wednesday.
Shabnam Baran, founder of Stray Paws South Africa, expressed outrage after receiving a call from an elderly resident of Lenham. The woman informed her about the 'horrible' way the dog died. It turned out that the puppies, which were about a month old, had gotten onto this woman's property, and their mother then jumped over the wall while remaining on the chain.
When rescuers arrived at the house, they found the puppies sitting under the body of the mother, which was hanging over the wall. Another brave brown dog, which had entered the elderly woman's property, stood guard, initially blocking access due to extreme terror and protective instinct.
It was reported that dogs in this area were subjected to severe overbreeding. The deceased dog had given birth only a month ago. It was heartbreaking to learn that another dog on the premises had presumably died a week earlier from starvation.
Baran noted that there was initial resistance from the male, but rescuers managed to lower the mother dog for a dignified burial. She added that there are presumably other surviving dogs on this property who could face the same agonizing fate without immediate intervention.
According to her, this is not an isolated incident, but a systemic failure. Residents in the areas of Phoenix, Chatsworth, and Welbeka constantly seek help regarding illegal breeding, animal cruelty, and complete disregard for animal welfare laws. Baran emphasized that until authorities ensure compliance with regulations and hold cruel owners accountable, animals will continue to die from exhaustion and abuse.
Durban and Coast SPCA confirmed that an inspector was dispatched to the scene for an investigation, and they await further response.
Baran explained that residents in these areas breed dogs for sale due to poverty. These communities need assistance regarding illegal breeding and animal mistreatment. Selling puppies for prices between 50 and 100 rand brings income to households. The conditions of the dogs' confinement are extremely poor.
When activists discover illegal breeding, they try to find new homes for the puppies and sterilize the dogs, but owners become hostile because the dogs are their main source of income. In response to this, they held a march on Sunday demanding changes to municipal breeding regulations. Baran insists on the need for stricter rules to prevent dogs from being bred in harsh conditions for profit.
The 'On Social Work' law has come into force in Uzbekistan, significantly transforming methods of providing social support. According to this legislative act, targeted assistance will now be provided based on individual plans, taking into account not only the financial situation but also the general life circumstances of the recipients.
The law, which entered into force on July 23, marks a transition to a preventive model of work. This implies that social difficulties must be detected and resolved at the earliest stages. To implement this concept, an institute of professional social workers is being created, whose activities will cover a wide range of institutions, including polyclinics, schools, employment centers, courts, internal affairs bodies, and correctional facilities.
The methodology for determining need is changing: in addition to income level, the entire life situation of the person or family will be analyzed when providing assistance. Based on a comprehensive assessment, a personal social support plan is developed for each situation, adapted to specific requests.
The National Agency for Social Protection has been appointed as the authorized body responsible for coordinating the entire system. The law also defines the competencies of the Cabinet of Ministers, executive authorities, and local administrations. Mahallas, non-profit organizations (NPOs), business representatives, and citizens themselves will be integrated into the decision-making process.
The document establishes the types of social services provided, regulates the procedures for recognizing citizens as needy, and defines the grounds for starting and terminating support, including funding sources. Furthermore, the law legalizes the activities of social workers, securing their official status, defining measures for their state social protection, and establishing professional frameworks and limitations on their work.
A country's passport strength reflects the degree of freedom its citizens have to travel globally, as well as its diplomatic relations. However, the recent publication of the new version of the Global Passport Ranking has caused serious concern among Indians due to a significant drop in the Indian passport's rating.
According to the updated version of the Henley Passport Index, released in July 2026, the ranking of the Indian passport has slipped another position. The Indian passport now holds the 81st place on the list. Holders of Indian passports can obtain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries.
The drop in ranking directly means that the number of countries providing Indian citizens with visa-free entry or visa on arrival has become more limited. In the current list, India is ranked 81st, whereas in the February edition, it held the 75th position. This decline occurred after an improvement in the rating earlier in the year.
The Henley Passport Index shows how global travel has changed over the last two decades. The report notes that the strength of the Indian passport has weakened over the past 20 years. In 2006, it was ranked 71st, and in 2021, it fell to its lowest level—91st place, followed by some improvement.
Two decades ago, the strongest passports included the USA, Denmark, and Finland, which allowed visits to 130 places without a prior visa. Today, Singapore leads the ranking, and its passport allows travel to 192 countries. The United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea are in second place, with their passports granting access to 188 destinations.
Tourism has become an important sector for many countries because travel has become part of people's lifestyle, and they have started spending more money even on short international trips. If 26 passports were in the top 10 in 2006, this number has increased to 38 today. Previously, the USA held the first place, and the UK held the third. However, in the latest ranking, the USA is in 10th place, and the UK is in sixth place. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list.
