Mass Dog Culling in Telangana Sparks Major Controversy
A shocking controversy has erupted in Telangana's Kamareddy and Hanamkonda districts. Local authorities report that around 500 stray dogs were allegedly culled using lethal injections over the past week. This brutal action has triggered widespread outrage across the state.
Election Promises Turn Deadly
According to police sources, some elected representatives including sarpanches carried out these killings. They allegedly aimed to fulfill promises made to villagers during the recent gram panchayat elections. Candidates had pledged to tackle the persistent stray dog and monkey menace in their areas.
Police have registered a case against six people in Kamareddy district. Five of the accused are sarpanches. Earlier, authorities booked nine persons in Hanamkonda district. This group included two women sarpanches and their husbands. They face allegations of killing approximately 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages.
Gruesome Discoveries and Investigations
Animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham filed a complaint at Machareddy police station on Monday. He reported receiving information about nearly 200 stray dogs killed over two to three days. The killings occurred in five villages of Palwancha mandal within Kamareddy district.
Goutham personally visited Bhavanipet village where he discovered dumped dog carcasses. His investigation revealed similar acts of cruelty in four other villages:
- Palwancha
- Faridpet
- Wadi
- Bandarameshwarapally
The activist alleged that sarpanches of these five villages hired a person to administer lethal injections. Police have now registered cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Forensic Examination Underway
Police officials confirmed that the dog carcasses were initially buried on village outskirts. Veterinary teams later exhumed the bodies for post-mortem examinations. Authorities have sent viscera samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis.
Forensic experts will determine the exact cause of death and identify the specific substances used in these killings. Police have issued formal notices to all accused persons as their investigation continues.
Supreme Court Weighs In on Stray Animal Issue
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court addressed the broader stray animal crisis on Tuesday. Justices expressed concern over poor implementation of animal-related norms during the past five years. The court indicated it might direct states to pay heavy compensation for dog-bite incidents.
Judges also suggested holding dog feeders accountable in certain situations. This development adds national significance to the Telangana case, highlighting systemic failures in managing stray animal populations humanely.
The Telangana incident exposes deep flaws in how local governments address animal welfare concerns. It raises serious questions about election promises turning into illegal and cruel actions against vulnerable animals.
