Telangana horror: 500 stray dogs killed with lethal injections to fulfil 'election promise'

The killings, allegedly carried out to honour controversial poll promises of creating “dog-free villages,” have sparked public outrage and prompted a massive police crackdown.

The incidents were reported from Kamareddy and Hanamkonda districts, where elected village representatives are accused of orchestrating a coordinated culling operation. 

The crackdown is being described as one of the largest investigations into animal cruelty in the state’s history.

Election promises turn fatal

According to police sources, the killings followed the Gram Panchayat elections held last month. 

Several candidates reportedly promised villagers they would eliminate the stray dog problem, citing rising dog-bite cases and public fear. 

Soon after assuming office, these leaders allegedly moved to fulfil their promises through illegal means.

Investigators say the culling was carried out systematically, with professional dog catchers hired to administer lethal injections and poison-laced bait. 

Officials believe the killings were planned well in advance, with local panchayat staff providing logistical support.

Disturbing videos and ground evidence

Graphic videos circulating online have exposed the brutality of the operation. 

One clip from Dharmapuri municipality in Jagtiyal district shows a man injecting a stray dog with a toxic substance. 

Within seconds, the animal collapses and dies. Two other dog carcasses are visible nearby, confirming the scale of the cruelty.

Authorities say at least 50 dogs were killed in Dharmapuri alone. 

In Hanamkonda’s Shayampeta area, police exhumed 110 dog carcasses buried on village outskirts. 

Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on several bodies to identify the chemicals used.

Police action against elected representatives

So far, 15 people have been identified as prime accused, including seven sarpanches from villages such as Shayampet, Arepally and Palwancha. 

Gram Panchayat secretaries and staff members are also under investigation for allegedly facilitating the operation.

In Kamareddy district, six individuals, including five sarpanches, have been booked. 

Earlier, nine people, including two women sarpanches and their husbands, were charged in Hanamkonda for the killing of nearly 300 dogs.

All accused have been booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with the killing or poisoning of animals, along with provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. 

Notices have been served, and some junior staff members are being questioned.

Forensic tests to reveal poison used

Veterinary teams have sent viscera samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory to determine the exact substances used in the injections. 

Police say the findings could lead to additional charges related to the illegal possession and use of hazardous chemicals.

Animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham, who filed a complaint at Machareddy police station, claimed nearly 200 dogs were killed in five villages of Palwancha mandal. 

He said he personally visited Bhavanipet village and found dumped carcasses, confirming the scale of the massacre.

Supreme Court takes stern view

The controversy has drawn national attention after the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the stray dog situation. 

The apex court warned state governments that it may direct them to pay heavy compensation to victims of dog attacks, but categorically stated that killing stray animals is illegal and unacceptable.

The court also criticised the poor implementation of animal welfare norms over the past five years, stressing that cruelty cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Telangana govt issues directive

Following the FIRs, the Telangana government issued a memo to all district collectors, directing them to strictly enforce the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules. 

These rules mandate sterilisation and vaccination as the only legal methods for managing stray dog populations.

Officials reiterated that local bodies have no authority to override central animal welfare laws and that “ignorance of the law is no excuse.”