Stray Dogs Killed With Lethal Injections in Telangana, Police Book 15 Including Sarpanches

New Delhi: Telangana Police have widened their probe into a disturbing case of mass animal cruelty after at least 500 stray dogs were allegedly killed across parts of the state within the first two weeks of the year. Fifteen individuals, including seven village sarpanches from Hanamkonda and Kamareddy districts, have been booked for their suspected role in what investigators describe as a coordinated and illegal culling operation.

The killings are believed to be linked to controversial promises made during recent Gram Panchayat elections, where several candidates assured residents of “dog-free villages” amid rising concerns over stray dog attacks. Authorities now view the mass deaths as a misguided attempt to fulfil those assurances by unlawful means.

Investigations reveal that the dogs were administered lethal injections or poisoned bait, leading to instant death. A widely circulated video from the Dharmapuri municipal area shows a man injecting a stray dog with a toxic substance, after which the animal collapses within moments. Multiple carcasses were found dumped in public areas, intensifying public outrage. Around 50 dogs were reportedly killed in that locality alone.

In Hanamkonda’s Shayampet area, officials confirmed the exhumation of 110 dog carcasses, with post-mortem examinations conducted to establish the precise cause of death. Preliminary findings point towards the use of unidentified toxins.

Police say the operation was facilitated through official village machinery. Gram Panchayat secretaries and staff are accused of arranging logistics and engaging private contractors to carry out the killings. Three such contractors have been identified for allegedly administering lethal injections and poisoned feed.

All accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to the killing or poisoning of animals, along with sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. While some junior staff members have been detained for questioning, notices have been issued to the sarpanches, with officials stressing that local authorities cannot bypass national animal welfare laws.

The incident has also drawn judicial attention. Courts have reiterated that while states must address the stray dog issue, culling is illegal and unacceptable. In response, the Telangana administration has directed district authorities to strictly implement Animal Birth Control rules, which prioritise sterilisation and vaccination over killing, reinforcing lawful and humane population control measures.