Telangana Police have intensified their investigation into the mass killing of stray dogs, initiating legal action against 15 individuals, including seven village heads, across the Hanamkonda and Kamareddy districts.
The crackdown follows reports that at least 500 dogs were poisoned to death within the first two weeks of the new year, making it one of the largest animal cruelty cases recorded in the state.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly orchestrated a coordinated culling operation to fulfil controversial promises made during recent Gram Panchayat elections.
Several candidates reportedly pledged to create “dog-free villages” amid rising public concern over stray dog attacks. The killings are now being viewed as a misguided and illegal attempt to deliver on those assurances.
Horrific Video Shows Dogs Being Injected With Poison
Disturbing visuals have emerged from Dharmapuri municipality in Jagtiyal district.
In one video, a man is seen injecting a dog with a lethal substance, following which the animal collapses within a minute. Two other dog carcasses were also visible on the street in the footage.
At least 50 dogs were reportedly killed in the municipality around two weeks ago.
Over 110 Dog Carcasses Recovered in Hanamkonda
Meanwhile, in Hanamkonda, senior police officials confirmed that 110 dog carcasses were exhumed from buried locations in Shayampeta.
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Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on some of the remains to determine the precise cause of death and the substances used.
Police have identified 15 individuals as key accused in the case.
Seven sarpanches, recently elected from villages including Shayampet, Arepally and Palwancha areas, are alleged to have authorised the culling. Gram Panchayat secretaries and staff are accused of facilitating logistics and coordination.
Three private contractors were reportedly hired to carry out the killings using lethal injections and poisoned bait.
Charges Under BNS and Animal Cruelty Law
All 15 accused have been booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with killing or poisoning animals, along with 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.
Officials stressed that ignorance of the law cannot be cited as a defence, noting that local bodies have no authority to override the Centre’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
Forensic Reports May Lead to Additional Charges
Investigators are awaiting forensic reports to identify the exact toxins used in the killings.
Police said further charges related to the illegal possession and use of hazardous chemicals could be added based on those findings.
The issue has drawn national attention amid growing concerns over stray dog management.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court warned state governments of “heavy compensation” in cases of dog-bite injuries, while making it clear that killing stray dogs is illegal and unacceptable.
State Directs Enforcement of ABC Rules
Following the registration of FIRs, the Telangana government issued a memo to all District Collectors directing strict enforcement of the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules.
The rules mandate sterilisation and vaccination as the only legal methods for managing stray dog populations, explicitly ruling out culling or relocation.
