Telangana police have launched a major investigation into a shocking series of stray dog killings that has left approximately 500 canines dead across several villages. The brutal incidents occurred within a single week, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about animal cruelty and political accountability.
Villages Report Mass Culling of Stray Dogs
The latest reported incident comes from Kamareddy district, where authorities discovered about 200 dogs had been killed. This discovery brings the total number of canine deaths to around 500 across multiple locations in Telangana. Police officials confirmed these disturbing numbers as they expanded their probe into the coordinated killings.
Animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham filed a formal complaint at Machareddy police station on Monday. He reported finding dog carcasses dumped in Bhavanipet village and later learned that similar killings had occurred in Palwancha, Faridpet, Wadi, and Bandarameshwarapally villages. His complaint triggered immediate police action across affected areas.
Election Promises Suspected as Motive
Village sources revealed a disturbing connection between the dog killings and recent gram panchayat elections. According to these sources, some candidates made specific promises to villagers during the December elections last year. They pledged to address the stray dog and monkey menace in their communities.
"Some candidates promised villagers they would tackle the stray dog problem during their election campaigns," sources explained. "They are now allegedly fulfilling those promises through these brutal killings." This revelation has turned what appeared to be random animal cruelty into a potentially organized political fulfillment of campaign pledges.
Police Take Legal Action Against Suspects
Based on Goutham's complaint, police registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The case names six persons as accused, including five village sarpanches. A police official confirmed the registration of this case and the ongoing investigation.
Earlier, police in Hanamkonda district had already booked nine persons in connection with similar incidents. Those accused included two women sarpanches and their husbands, allegedly involved in killing around 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages. The pattern suggests a coordinated approach across different districts.
Investigation Reveals Method of Killing
A police officer from Hanumakonda district indicated that the dogs likely died from lethal injections. Village authorities apparently facilitated these killings, according to reports. The officer mentioned that the injections were administered with help from local village administrations.
In his complaint, activist Goutham specifically claimed that village sarpanches hired a person to administer poisonous injections to the dogs. This method suggests premeditation and organization rather than spontaneous acts of violence against animals.
Forensic Examination Underway
Police officials reported that dog carcasses were buried in village outskirts after the killings. Veterinary teams have since exhumed the bodies and conducted post-mortem examinations to determine the exact cause of death.
A senior police official told PTI that viscera samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory. These tests will establish the precise cause of death and identify the type of poison used in the killings. The forensic evidence will be crucial for building strong legal cases against the accused.
Notices Issued to Accused Individuals
Police confirmed they have issued formal notices to all accused persons in the registered cases. The six individuals named in the Kamareddy district case, including the five sarpanches, must respond to police inquiries about their alleged involvement.
The investigation continues as police work to determine the full extent of these killings and identify all responsible parties. The case has highlighted serious concerns about animal welfare and the ethical boundaries of political promises in rural Telangana.
