Bengaluru: A dispute between the owners of a chicken shop and a garage over waste dumping has resulted in the tragic poisoning of two stray dogs, including a four-month-old puppy, in Vijaya Bank Layout, Mico Layout. The incident occurred recently and has sparked outrage among residents.
Police Complaint Filed
Resident Varsha Anjanappa, a private company employee and animal lover, filed a police complaint accusing chicken shop owner Tyagaraj of poisoning the two dogs. A criminal case has been registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Sections 325 (mischief by killing, poisoning, or maiming any animal) and 351 (act with criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code against Tyagaraj, owner of GEV Broilers.
Autopsy Report Awaited
A senior police officer stated that they are awaiting the autopsy report to proceed further. “We issued a notice to Tyagaraj, but the autopsy report will help us in taking the case ahead,” he said.
The Dogs and the Dispute
Varsha and other residents regularly fed stray dogs near her house. Among them were Whitey, a four-year-old dog, and Brownie, a four-month-old puppy. These dogs, along with other strays, slept outside the chicken shop or the garage. The garage owner, Akbar Khan of HKGN Automobile and Garage, had frequent arguments with Tyagaraj over the unscientific disposal of waste materials from the chicken shop.
On the morning of May 31, Whitey collapsed and was taken to a nearby veterinary hospital, where it died. The next morning, Brownie also collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, but he too succumbed. On both occasions, Akbar Khan transported the dogs to the hospital.
Poisoning Allegations
According to Varsha, doctors at the hospital informed them that the dogs had been poisoned. “Tyagaraj added rat poison to the meat and threw it in front of the shop. When questioned, he told us he had targeted the rats, and not the dogs,” Varsha told the police.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of stray animal safety in urban areas and the need for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws. Residents are demanding justice for the dogs and stricter action against those who harm animals.
