Telangana mass dog killing: 300 strays killed in 3 days over ‘public demand’; 9 booked

Police in Hanumakonda district have registered cases against nine individuals, including two village sarpanches, following allegations that approximately 300 stray dogs were systematically killed using lethal injections earlier this month.

The incident, which unfolded across Shayampet and Arepally villages, came to light on Sunday after authorities conducted post-mortem examinations on exhumed carcasses. According to the police case, the culling was carried out by two hired individuals between January 6 and 8.

A formal complaint was lodged by A Goutham, representing the Karimnagar-based Stray Animal Foundation of India, with the Shayampet police. The complaint alleged the mass killing occurred within the gram panchayat limits of the two villages, according to a TOI report.

In his complaint, Goutham called for action against those responsible and urged the government to implement official measures for stray animal management, including animal birth control, sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

Acting on the complaint, police booked the two village sarpanches, their husbands, a deputy sarpanch, two village secretaries and the two alleged labourers. They face charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

However, the case has exposed a sharp divide between animal welfare concerns and local grievances. Sources within the villages were cited by TOI as saying that community elders defended the action, claiming it was a response to persistent public demand. They contended the growing stray dog population had become a significant nuisance, with the issue even being raised during recent sarpanch elections.

Parkal Assistant Commissioner of Police, Satishbabu, reportedly confirmed the case had been registered and that an investigation was underway based on the complaint received.