Mass Stray Dog Poisonings in Telangana: 500 Canines Killed with Lethal Injection Since Jan 1

Police have launched an investigation into the poisoning deaths of approximately 500 stray dogs across Hanamkonda and Kamareddy districts in Telangana since January 1.

Police have booked 15 individuals, including seven recently elected village sarpanches (heads), for their alleged roles in orchestrating the mass culling.

The killings, reportedly carried out using lethal injections and poisoned bait, were allegedly motivated by campaign promises made during recent Gram Panchayat elections. Several candidates had pledged to deliver "dog-free villages" in response to growing resident complaints about stray dog attacks and nuisances.

Disturbing evidence has emerged, including a video from Dharmapuri municipality in Jagtial district showing a man injecting a stray dog with poison, causing it to collapse within a minute. Additional carcasses were visible nearby. In Hanamkonda's Shayampeta area, officials confirmed that 110 dog bodies were exhumed, with post-mortems conducted to identify the cause of death. Reports indicate that at least 50 dogs were killed in one municipality alone two weeks ago.

Police investigations revealed a coordinated effort: sarpanches from villages such as Shayampet, Arepally, and Palwancha allegedly authorised the operations. Gram Panchayat secretaries and staff handled logistics, while three private contractors were hired to administer the poison and dispose of the bodies, often by burying them on village outskirts.

Cases have been registered against the 15 suspects under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (pertaining to killing or poisoning animals) and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. While some junior staff members have been detained for questioning, notices have been issued to the seven sarpanches. Authorities stressed that "ignorance of the law is no excuse," noting that local bodies cannot bypass the central government's Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which prioritise sterilisation and vaccination over culling or relocation.

Forensic analysis of viscera samples is underway to identify the exact toxin used, which could lead to additional charges involving illegal handling of hazardous substances.

In a related development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval of ongoing "institutional failures" in managing the stray dog population nationwide. The apex court warned states against imposing "heavy compensation" for dog-bite injuries or fatalities and reiterated that killing animals is neither legal nor an acceptable solution.

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