Authorities in Telangana have taken serious action following the shocking discovery of 120 dead stray dogs in two villages. The Hanumakonda district police have registered formal cases against nine people. This group includes two gram panchayat sarpanches and their husbands.
Mass Killing in Two Villages
The incident occurred between January 6 and January 8. The killings took place within the boundaries of the Shayampet and Arepally gram panchayats. Police officers recovered the carcasses of the dogs from these areas.
A police officer from Hanumakonda provided details on the scale of the operation. "There were likely 50 to 60 dogs per village," the officer stated. "All these dogs seemed to have been killed by lethal injection with the help of village authorities." The officer further explained that the dogs were injected with poison and their food was also poisoned.
Legal Action and NGO Complaint
Police filed the First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint. The Stray Animal Foundation of India, an NGO, lodged the complaint demanding action against those responsible for poisoning the dogs.
The complaint argued that the government should have implemented proper animal control measures. These measures include sterilization and vaccination programs. Such steps would help communities deal with the stray dog menace humanely.
As a result, police have booked the accused under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. This legal move underscores the seriousness of the alleged crime.
Police Launch Awareness Campaign
In response to this event, the Hanumakonda police have initiated an awareness campaign. Officers stated the campaign aims to prevent the mistreatment of stray animals in the future. This effort seeks to educate the public on lawful and compassionate ways to address animal population issues.
Supreme Court Weighs In on Stray Animal Issue
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India made significant remarks on Tuesday regarding stray animals. The court said it would ask states to pay "heavy compensation" for dog-bite incidents. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria expressed concern.
The justices flagged the lack of implementation of norms regarding stray animals over the past five years. The Bench also stated that "responsibility and accountability will be fixed on those who are feeding these stray dogs." This indicates a broader judicial focus on managing stray animal populations and public safety.
The tragic event in Telangana highlights the ongoing conflict between communities and stray animals. It also raises critical questions about local governance and animal welfare laws. The police case against the sarpanches marks a significant step in holding local authorities accountable for such actions.
