- Panchayat Poll Promise Fallout
- Police Cases Against Sarpanches
- Disturbing Incidents Surface
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Reports of large-scale killing of stray dogs in parts of Telangana have triggered widespread concern. In several villages, dogs were allegedly poisoned and buried following local body elections. The incidents came to light after a news report by the Press Trust of India, later carried by national media platforms.
Election Promises and Violence
The killings are linked to promises made during recent gram panchayat elections. Some candidates had assured voters that the problem of stray dogs and monkeys would be eliminated. After their electoral victory, steps were allegedly taken to fulfil these assurances through illegal and violent means. As a result, around five hundred stray dogs are suspected to have been killed.
Affected Districts
The incidents were reported mainly from Kamareddy and Hanumakonda districts. In Kamareddy district, villages such as Bhavanipet, Palvancha, Fareedpet, Wadi, and Bandarameswarampalli witnessed the poisoning of dogs over the past week. Officials estimate that nearly two hundred dogs died in this district alone during this period.
Complaint Exposes Cruelty
The matter came to public attention after animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham lodged a complaint. Acting on information received on January twelve, he visited Bhavanipet village. There, he found several dog carcasses near a temple. He later alleged that the killings took place with the knowledge of local village heads and followed a planned pattern involving poison injections.
Police Action Begins
Following the complaint, police registered criminal cases in Kamareddy district against five sarpanches and a private individual allegedly hired to kill the dogs. Meanwhile, similar incidents were reported from Shyampet and Arepalli villages in Hanumakonda district. In these villages, around three hundred dogs were allegedly killed.
More Cases Registered
Police in Hanumakonda booked nine persons, including two women sarpanches, their spouses, and panchayat secretaries. Across both districts, elected representatives from six villages are now under investigation. Police have exhumed the buried carcasses and conducted post-mortem examinations to establish the cause of death.
Failure of Lawful Measures
Experts point out that lawful methods exist to control stray dog populations. These include sterilisation and vaccination programmes. However, such measures were either delayed or poorly implemented in the affected villages. As dog numbers increased, residents raised concerns, but authorities failed to respond adequately.
Alleged Attempt to Hide Evidence
Investigators suspect that efforts were made to destroy evidence by burying the dead animals outside village limits. This, officials say, points to a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime. Animal welfare groups have strongly condemned the acts, calling them cruel and illegal.
Supreme Court Context
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently made significant observations on stray dog management. The court noted that State governments could be held liable to pay compensation to victims of dog attacks. It also stated that people feeding stray dogs have a responsibility to ensure public safety. However, animal rights groups stress that killing stray dogs violates constitutional and legal protections.
Statewide Concern
The incidents have sparked debate across Telangana and beyond. Many have questioned the ethics of sacrificing animal lives for electoral gains. Police are awaiting forensic laboratory reports, which will determine the nature of the poison used. If confirmed, those responsible could face stringent punishment.
Call for Humane Solutions
Residents and activists are demanding sustainable and humane solutions to the stray dog issue. They have urged the government to strengthen sterilisation programmes and monitoring mechanisms. As investigations continue, the situation has created tension in the affected villages, raising concerns about how the crisis will unfold.
