Telangana horror: 300 stray dogs killed with lethal injections over 3 days; officials booked

Mangalore Today News Network

Telangana, January 14, 2026: In a disturbing incident in Telangana’s Hanumakonda district, nearly 300 stray dogs were allegedly killed by injecting poison in them over three days from January 6. The incident has triggered outrage from animal welfare groups and prompted police action against local elected representatives.

The case came to light after a complaint was filed by Stray Animal Foundation of India, following which police registered FIRs against nine individuals from the villages of Shayampet and Arepally. Those booked include the sarpanches of both villages, their husbands, the deputy sarpanch, two village panchayat secretaries and several hired workers.

According to the police complaint, labourers were allegedly hired specifically to carry out the killings, with dogs being administered lethal injections and then buried in different locations.

After the FIR was registered, police teams and veterinary officials visited the sites where the dogs were reportedly buried. Excavations were carried out, but authorities have so far recovered remains of around 30 dogs, far fewer than the number mentioned in the complaint.

Parakala Circle Inspector Ranjith Rao said forensic samples have been sent for analysis to determine the exact cause of death and the number of animals involved. Investigators are now trying to establish whether more bodies were disposed of elsewhere and how the killings were carried out.

Why Did This Happen?

Local narratives present two sharply opposing versions. Residents of the villages claim the stray dog population had increased rapidly, creating fear among children and the elderly. Some villagers say dog attacks had become frequent and that elected leaders had promised action during elections. According to this argument, the killings were carried out in response to public pressure.

Animal welfare activists strongly reject this justification. They argue that mass killing of stray dogs is illegal, regardless of public complaints, and that the government-mandated Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, involving sterilisation and vaccination,is the only lawful way to manage stray populations.

What The Law Says

The accused have been booked under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as well as provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The issue has also drawn attention in courts. In recent observations, the Supreme Court has stressed that while human safety is important, no individual or authority has the right to kill animals outside the law. Courts have repeatedly directed states to strengthen ABC programmes rather than resort to violence.