Mass Burial of Stray Dogs Uncovered in Telangana Village
In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through animal welfare circles, authorities have discovered approximately 100 more stray dogs buried in a village in Telangana. This grim finding marks yet another chapter in what appears to be an ongoing, systematic campaign against stray canines across the state.
Disturbing Discovery in Abbapur Village
The latest incident came to light in Abbapur village, located within the Gopalpally mandal of Jagtial district. Villagers and activists stumbled upon the mass burial site at the village outskirts, where numerous canine carcasses had been hastily interred. The discovery was made on a Sunday evening, prompting immediate concern and investigation.
According to preliminary reports, the dogs were likely poisoned to death as part of a coordinated effort to eliminate stray animals from the area. This method has become alarmingly common in several Telangana villages recently, raising serious questions about animal welfare and local governance.
Official Response and Police Action
Following the discovery, Telangana police have registered an FIR against the village sarpanch and gram panchayat secretary. The complaint was filed by Preethi Mudavath of the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI), who has been actively documenting these incidents across the state.
The accused officials face charges under multiple legal provisions:
- Section 325 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
"We have recovered a significant number of dog carcasses," Mudavath stated in her complaint. "While we haven't yet determined exactly who administered the poison, the pattern is clear and deeply troubling."
Escalating Crisis Across Telangana
This incident represents just one episode in what animal rights organizations describe as a widespread killing spree targeting stray dogs throughout Telangana. Official police estimates suggest approximately 500 dogs have been killed through poisoning in recent months, though non-governmental organizations believe the actual number could be closer to 1,000.
The situation has been particularly severe in multiple districts:
- Hanamkonda district: 120 dog carcasses retrieved from two villages
- Kamareddy district: Another 100 dogs recovered
- Jagtial district: Approximately 300 dogs allegedly poisoned
- Yacharam village near Hyderabad: Reports of numerous missing dogs
Political Motivations Behind the Killings
Investigators and activists suspect these killings may be politically motivated. According to sources familiar with the matter, village administrations had reportedly promised to address the stray dog menace as part of their election campaigns during the recently concluded Panchayat polls.
The Telangana Panchayat elections were held in December 2025, and it appears some newly elected officials may be attempting to fulfill campaign promises through these extreme measures rather than implementing humane animal control solutions.
Systemic Failures and Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal rights advocates argue that these killings highlight systemic failures in animal management policies. The complaint filed by SAFI emphasizes that the government should have implemented proper animal control measures, including sterilization and vaccination programs, to address the stray dog population humanely.
"The dogs were injected with poison, and their food was also poisoned," revealed a police officer involved in the investigation. "We are committed to taking the strictest possible action against those responsible for these cruel acts."
Delayed Investigations and Postmortem Procedures
In a concerning development, Mudavath noted that postmortem examinations were only conducted after SAFI's intervention. These examinations are crucial for determining the exact cause of death and gathering forensic evidence that could be used in legal proceedings.
"The postmortem is essential to establish how these animals died," Mudavath explained. "Without proper documentation and investigation, justice cannot be served."
Ongoing Activism and Official Apathy
Despite repeated petitions to authorities, including appeals to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, animal welfare organizations claim that district administrations have shown apathy toward the escalating crisis. The continued killings suggest that current measures are insufficient to protect vulnerable animals or hold perpetrators accountable.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, this incident raises broader questions about animal rights, local governance, and the need for comprehensive, humane solutions to human-animal conflicts in urban and rural settings across India.
