Mass killing of stray dogs in Hanumakonda district as Nine booked including Sarpanch

In a shocking incident, around 300 stray dogs were allegedly killed using poisonous injections in Shayampet and Arepalli villages of Hanumakonda district. Following serious allegations of animal cruelty, the police have registered a case against nine persons, including the local Sarpanch .

According to the First Information Report (FIR) , the Sarpanch, along with Panchayat staff , allegedly hired two individuals to eliminate stray dogs in the villages. The accused reportedly administered lethal poison injections , leading to the death of a large number of dogs.

The incident came to light after Adulapuram Gautham, Animal Welfare Officer of the Stray Animal Foundation of India , lodged a complaint with the police on January 9 .

Speaking to the media, Shayampet Police Station Circle Inspector P. Ranjith Rao said that the complaint alleged the killing of approximately 300 dogs with the involvement of the Sarpanch, Upa-Sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary and others . Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act .

During the preliminary investigation, police found that nearly one-tenth of the total stray dog population in the two villages had been killed . The carcasses of the dogs have been sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

The Circle Inspector said that villagers claimed many of the dogs were suffering from skin ailments and severe itching , which allegedly prompted the drastic action. However, the police clarified that killing animals is illegal and not a solution to public health concerns.

Police teams also inspected locations where the dogs were allegedly confined and killed . Further investigation is underway based on forensic reports and witness statements.

Officials have issued a strong warning to Panchayat representatives and the public , stating that government-approved methods must be followed to address stray dog issues . They emphasised that sterilisation (Animal Birth Control) and vaccination programmes are the only lawful and humane solutions .

“Killing stray dogs is not a solution to the problem,” CI Ranjith Rao categorically stated, urging citizens to avoid illegal and cruel practices and instead cooperate with authorities.

The case highlights a serious violation of animal welfare laws and serves as a strong message on the importance of protecting animal rights . Authorities have reiterated their commitment to preventing animal cruelty through legal action and public awareness , with the cooperation of local communities.