A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged from Tirunelveli, where four dogs died of starvation after being abandoned alongside 26 others in a locked house. The incident came to light following the arrest of their owner, leaving the animals without food or water for nearly three weeks.
Gruesome Discovery in a Locked House
On Tuesday, S Tharick Raja, an activist with the animal welfare organization People for Animals, received an urgent call. The owner of a rented house in S R R Nagar, Ramayanpatti, reported a foul stench emanating from the property and suspected dead dogs inside. Tharick Raja, along with fellow activist Maharajan and local police, rushed to the scene.
What they found was horrifying. Four dogs were dead, and 26 others were found alive in desperate condition. Initial analysis by the activists indicated the dogs had succumbed to starvation and acute dehydration after being left without sustenance for close to 20 days. The surviving animals, in a stark display of their desperation, had been forced to feed on the carcasses of their deceased companions.
"We confirmed this from the presence of skeletal remains of the dead dogs inside the house," Tharick Raja told media.
Owner's Arrest and a Failed Arrangement
The chain of neglect began approximately a month ago when the dogs' owner, identified as Alagesan, was arrested and remanded in a land dispute case under Kanyakumari district police limits. Reportedly, Alagesan had instructed a local breeder via the police to care for the animals during his incarceration.
However, this arrangement failed catastrophically. The designated caretaker did not provide adequate food or water, leading to the prolonged starvation of the animals. The dogs were all foreign breeds, including Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies.
Rescue Efforts and Police Action
Following the grim discovery, immediate steps were taken to secure the surviving animals. For the time being, the 26 dogs have been let loose within the compound of the house itself. A team from People for Animals has taken charge of feeding them.
"They will be taken to a shelter by Wednesday," assured Tharick Raja. Meanwhile, activist Maharajan has lodged a formal complaint at the Manur police station. The police have registered a Community Service Register (CSR) entry and initiated necessary actions for the rescue and protection of the dogs.
This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of pet abandonment and the critical need for responsible ownership, especially for high-maintenance foreign breeds. The case has sparked outrage among animal rights groups and calls for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.
