Hundreds of Street Dogs Found Dead in Telangana, Sarpanches Among Accused

Allegations of organised killings of street dogs in Telangana have led to widespread anger and multiple police cases, after nearly 500 dogs were reportedly poisoned across villages in Kamareddy district within a span of days. Animal welfare activists allege the deaths were planned and carried out to honour promises made during recent gram panchayat elections.

The issue came to light on January 12, when animal rights activist Adulapuram Goutham lodged a complaint detailing what he described as systematic targeting of street dogs in villages such as Bhavanipet, Palwancha, Faridpet, Wadi and Bandarameshwarapally. He alleged that the killings were executed in a coordinated manner rather than as isolated acts of cruelty.

According to the complaint, Goutham received information earlier that afternoon about widespread poisoning. He later visited Bhavanipet, where he claimed to have found several dog carcasses discarded near a temple. He alleged the animals were killed through poisonous injections, indicating deliberate intent.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case and named six accused in Kamareddy district, including five serving village sarpanches and one individual suspected to have been hired to carry out the killings. Investigators said the bodies of the dogs were quickly buried after their deaths, prompting veterinary teams to exhume the remains for post-mortem examinations.

Police officials confirmed that viscera samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory to identify the substance used and to establish whether the same method was applied across locations. Notices have been issued to the accused, and questioning is underway.

Local sources told investigators that some elected representatives allegedly ordered the killings to meet assurances given to residents during the panchayat polls, following complaints about stray animals and monkey-related disturbances. Police said this alleged motive is being examined, though no official conclusion has been reached yet.

A similar case was reported earlier this month in Hanamkonda district, where around 300 street dogs were allegedly poisoned in Shayampet and Arepally villages between January 6 and 9. In that case, nine people, including sarpanches, their family members, panchayat staff and hired workers, were named in the FIR. Authorities are investigating possible links between the two incidents.

The cases have emerged as the Supreme Court reviews how states manage stray animals and dog-bite incidents. The court recently criticised authorities for poor implementation of Animal Birth Control rules and suggested fixing accountability on state agencies and dog feeders while ensuring public safety.

Police investigations in both Kamareddy and Hanamkonda are ongoing, and forensic reports are awaited. No official statements from the accused village representatives have been issued so far.