Case Registered Over Alleged Mass Ki*ling of Stray Dogs in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool District

Police in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district have registered a criminal case following allegations of large-scale killing of stray dogs in Thimmaipally village of Charakonda mandal, adding to a growing list of similar incidents reported across the State in recent months. The matter came to light after an animal rights activist lodged a formal complaint, prompting local authorities to begin an investigation.

According to police officials, the complaint alleged that around 100 stray dogs were found dead in and around the village under suspicious circumstances. However, during initial verification and field inspections, law enforcement teams said they were able to locate and recover carcasses of only a limited number of animals so far. Officials confirmed that approximately 10 to 15 carcasses have been recovered at this stage.

The recovered remains have been sent for postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death and to determine whether poisoning or other unlawful methods were involved. Police said the postmortem reports would play a key role in establishing the sequence of events and identifying responsibility.

Based on the complaint and preliminary findings, a case was registered on Tuesday against the village sarpanch, the panchayat secretary, and a few other unidentified individuals. The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to acts causing harm through collective involvement. Charges have also been invoked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which addresses unlawful killing, poisoning, or mistreatment of animals.

A senior police officer involved in the investigation said that while the complaint mentioned a much higher number of animals, investigators would rely on physical evidence, witness statements, and forensic reports to determine the actual scale of the incident. “At this stage, the investigation is focused on establishing facts. The postmortem findings will help clarify whether the deaths were caused deliberately and if so, through what means,” the officer said.

The incident in Nagarkurnool comes against the backdrop of multiple reports of stray dog deaths from different districts of Telangana over the past two months. In December last year and early January, similar complaints were reported from several rural pockets, raising concerns among animal welfare groups and prompting calls for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.

Animal rights activists have claimed that when viewed collectively, the number of stray dogs allegedly killed across the State during this period could be significantly high. They have urged the State government and law enforcement agencies to treat such incidents with seriousness and ensure accountability at all levels, including local governing bodies.

Activists also stressed that issues related to stray animal management must be addressed through humane and legally approved methods, such as sterilisation, vaccination, and community awareness programmes, rather than through harmful or unlawful practices. They have called for greater coordination between local administrations, veterinary departments, and animal welfare organisations to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Police officials stated that they are examining whether the alleged incident was linked to any prior complaints related to stray dog nuisance or public safety concerns in the village. However, they clarified that even in cases where there are local grievances, the law does not permit harming animals outside the framework of established rules and procedures.

The investigation is currently ongoing, with police teams recording statements from village residents, local officials, and others who may have information relevant to the case. Authorities said additional sections of law could be added if further evidence emerges during the course of the probe.

Meanwhile, the incident has renewed debate around stray animal management policies in Telangana, particularly in rural areas where resources and awareness levels may be limited. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that uncoordinated actions by local bodies can lead to legal violations and social tensions, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and monitoring mechanisms.

State officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the Nagarkurnool case, but sources indicated that district-level authorities have been asked to submit preliminary reports. The outcome of the investigation is expected to influence how similar cases are handled in the future.

As the inquiry continues, animal welfare groups have said they will closely monitor developments and seek transparency in the process. Police have assured that the case will be investigated in accordance with the law and that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

The Nagarkurnool case is the latest in a series of incidents that have brought attention to the treatment of stray animals in the State, highlighting the broader challenge of balancing public concerns with legal and ethical responsibilities.