FIR Filed After 300 Stray Dogs Poisoned in Jagityal, Top Panchayat Officials Accused

Telangana is witnessing a disturbing rise in cruelty against stray animals. Following the recent Panchayat elections, newly elected local leaders are assuming office, but some have allegedly chosen inhumane actions over development. In a shocking incident in Pegadapalli village of Jagityal district, approximately 300 stray dogs were brutally killed with poisoned injections . The police have registered a case, naming the village Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary as the main accused.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on January 22, 2026, around 3:30 PM , but authorities were formally informed only on January 23 at 6:55 PM . The complaint was lodged by Mudavat Preethi (22) from Hatipur village, Uppunuthala Mandal, Nagarkurnool district. Preethi, daughter of Dasharath, stated that she received information from a person named Shake Javed about the massacre.

The complaint alleges that the Sarpanch, the Panchayat Secretary, and several others were involved in the deliberate poisoning of the dogs. Following this, the police registered a case under Section 325 and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code along with Section 11(1)(a)(i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act .

Animal lovers and NGOs have strongly condemned the act, emphasizing that legal and humane methods exist to manage stray dog populations. They called the killings “abhorrent” and criticized local authorities for failing to explore scientific alternatives, such as sterilization or relocation to shelters.

Reports indicate that, across Telangana, the number of stray dogs killed since the elections has reached around 900 . Activists suggest that some elected representatives, eager to fulfill election promises or gain public favor, have resorted to these cruel methods. Previous cases include the poisoning of 100 dogs in Yacharam village , as well as mass killings in Shayampet and Arepalli villages in Hanumakonda district and 200 dogs in Kamareddy district , involving multiple Sarpanches and their associates.

Animal rights advocates urge the government to enforce strict legal measures and ensure humane solutions , emphasizing that cruelty against animals under the 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is a punishable offense. They stress that elected officials should focus on lawful, ethical strategies for stray dog management rather than resorting to lethal methods.