RELIGIOUS GROUPS and animal rights activists have forced organisers to ditch plans to hold a Hindu wedding for 18 dogs.

The marriage of nine dogs to nine bitches to promote canine culture was due to take place in the north-western Indian town of Jaipur, but Pink City Canine Club cancelled the ceremony after groups including People for Animals (PFA) criticised the event.

The marriage would also have included a procession and a huge feast with a special dance party.

Organisers said they were sorry for hurting people's sentiments, but said they still planned to go ahead with other events, including a beauty pageant for 'unmarried' dogs.