Three Telangana Activists on a Mission to Document Canine Massacres
In a distressing yet determined effort, three young individuals from Telangana are systematically documenting the mass killings of stray dogs across the state, village by village. A Goutham (35), M Preethi (22), and V Vinay (22), all hailing from rural backgrounds, have united under their shared passion for animal welfare to combat what they describe as widespread brutality.
The Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI) Initiative
As members of the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI), this trio has embarked on a relentless journey, traversing from one district to another. Their primary objective is to lodge formal complaints against alleged mass killings orchestrated by panchayat administrators, including sarpanches and panchayat secretaries. To date, they have reported the tragic deaths of over 1,000 dogs, with complaints officially filed in multiple districts such as Hanamkonda, Kamareddy, Jagtial, Ranga Reddy, and Nagarkurnool. This persistent advocacy has led to legal action, with seventeen individuals being booked so far.
Personal Journeys and Motivations
Each activist brings a unique personal story to this cause. Preethi, now 22, discovered her love for dogs at the age of 19 after receiving a pet dog that later passed away. She then attempted to adopt four stray puppies, only to face harassment in her Nagarkurnool village for feeding them. "I didn't know whom to approach when I was being harassed," she recalls, noting that she initially turned to Instagram to report animal crimes. Her commitment forced her to relocate from Atchampet to Lathipur in Nagarkurnool after a landlord evicted her for aiding dogs that were subsequently killed. She filed her first police complaint in 2024 and has since found inspiration and support from politician and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi over the past two years.
Goutham, the 35-year-old team leader at SAFI, holds an M Tech and an LLB degree. His journey began in 2018 as a dog feeder, caring for 20 to 30 dogs until local interventions led to their brutal capture and relocation. This prompted him to shift focus to animal rescue, lodging his first police complaint in 2020. Hailing from Karimnagar town, he emphasizes the challenges of advocating for dogs in small towns and villages, where stray animals often live in fear. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he even traveled on foot to nearby villages for rescue missions.
Vinay, also 22, is the least experienced in legal pursuits, having not yet filed a police complaint. Instead, he monitors the situation by receiving approximately 20 daily calls about animal cruelty incidents from remote villages across Telangana. A lifelong dog lover, he humorously notes, "I'm the one who gave her first dog to Preethi."
Expanding Network and Ongoing Efforts
The group operates with the assistance of a widespread network of dog lovers from across Telangana and beyond. Goutham explains that individuals from outside the state often inform them of cruelty cases, as their contact details circulate widely. Preethi adds that several reports also come through the SAFI email ID, and they make it a point to respond to every message and call. This collaborative approach underscores their dedication to ensuring no case goes unnoticed.
Their work highlights a critical issue in rural Telangana, where stray dogs face systemic threats. By documenting these killings and pursuing legal avenues, these youths aim to bring accountability and change, one village at a time.
