Mass Dog Killings in Telangana: 300 Carcasses Found in Jagtial, Total Nears 900
In a deeply disturbing development, approximately 300 dog carcasses were discovered dumped in a pit in Jagtial district, Telangana. This incident marks the latest case of alleged mass killing of stray dogs in the state, pushing the total number of dogs found dead this month to nearly 900.
Details of the Latest Incident in Pegadapally
The most recent alleged killings occurred in Pegadapally, located about 200 kilometers from Hyderabad, on Thursday. According to animal rights activists, the mass killing was allegedly carried out on orders from the village sarpanch. The discovery has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over animal welfare in the region.
Legal Action and Police Response
Based on a complaint filed by Preethi Mudavath from the Stray Animal Foundation of India, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the village sarpanch and the gram panchayat secretary, among others. The charges include sections under the BNS and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which deals with killing and poisoning by multiple persons.
Preethi Mudavath informed TOI that villagers reported the lethal injections were administered by two women, highlighting the organized nature of the alleged crime.
Pattern of Mass Killings Across Telangana
This is not an isolated incident. Cases of mass killings of stray dogs have been reported from several districts in Telangana over the last few weeks, including:
- Kamareddy
- Hanumakonda
- Ranga Reddy
In most of these cases, FIRs have been registered against newly elected sarpanches and other representatives. These officials allegedly ordered the killings to fulfill poll promises, raising serious questions about governance and ethical practices.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The repeated incidents of mass dog killings in Telangana underscore a troubling trend of animal cruelty linked to political agendas. Animal rights activists and concerned citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of laws and greater accountability from local authorities. The situation has also drawn attention to the need for sustainable and humane solutions to manage stray animal populations.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the animals and preventing such atrocities in the future. The rising death toll—now approaching 900 dogs this month alone—serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action and awareness.
