New Delhi Chronicle News Service
Hanumakonda | January 13
In one of the most disturbing cases of animal cruelty reported in Telangana in recent years, nearly 300 stray dogs were allegedly poisoned to death in the villages of Shayampet and Arepalli in Hanamkonda district between January 6 and January 8, triggering widespread public outrage.
The incident came to light after activists from the Stray Animal Foundation of India lodged a formal complaint with the Shayampet police, alleging that the dogs were killed using poisonous injections administered by hired individuals. Following the complaint, police launched a preliminary investigation into the mass deaths.
Authorities later recovered the carcasses of several dogs from the outskirts of the villages, confirming suspicions of organised poisoning. Based on initial findings, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with other relevant legal provisions.
As part of the ongoing probe, police have booked nine individuals, including the sarpanches of Shayampet and Arepalli villages, their spouses, the deputy sarpanch, village secretaries, and two persons allegedly hired to carry out the killings. Investigators are examining the role of each accused and the circumstances under which the operation was allegedly planned and executed.
The mass killing has drawn sharp condemnation from animal welfare organisations and local residents, who described the incident as inhumane and illegal. Activists have urged authorities to adopt scientific and humane population-control measures, such as sterilisation, vaccination, and animal birth control programmes, instead of resorting to lethal methods.
Police officials said further arrests and additional charges are possible as the investigation progresses.
