15 November 2007: The Bride's a Real Dog

An Indian farmer has married a dog, believing it will help him overcome a curse.

Some time ago the farmer found two dogs mating in his rice field, and killed them both by throwing stones. A few days later, his hearing and speech became impaired and he became unable to walk.

Doctors were clueless, but an astrologer finally told him he was cursed by the spirits of the dogs he had killed. He could undo the curse only if he married a dog.

After a long search for a 'suitable bride', he has now married a four-year-old mongrel. A Hindu priest conducted the ceremony.

"The dog is only for lifting the curse; after that he plans to get a real bride," a friend said.