British colonial rule in India, influenced by 18th-century British societal changes, categorized dogs into 'pets' versus 'strays.' This distinction arose from a desire to control urban spaces by removing 'unpleasant' elements, including unowned animals. 'Stray' dogs, often blamed disproportionately for rabies despite exaggerated fears, faced regulation, elimination, and culling. This policy established 'pet dogs' as the acceptable norm, while any leashless dog was deemed a problem, leading to widespread capture and elimination efforts.