Mass killing of canines continues in Telangana: 200 more poisoned to death, toll crosses 1,200 in a month

In several cases, dogs were reportedly administered toxic substances orally or injected with lethal chemicals. 

Activists warn that the actual number may be significantly higher due to under-reporting, particularly in remote villages. 

Alongside dogs, at least 10 monkeys are also believed to have died in similar circumstances.

The incidents have triggered widespread concern, with activists and civil society groups linking the killings to the recently concluded gram panchayat elections in the state.

Stray dogs at the centre of a national debate

The Telangana incidents unfold amid a broader national debate over the management of stray animals. 

Rising dog-bite cases and rabies-related deaths have intensified public anxiety, while courts and policymakers remain divided on how to address the issue humanely and effectively.

Over the past year, the Supreme Court has heard multiple petitions related to stray dogs, with judges remarking on the unusually high number of cases concerning animal rights. 

The apex court has repeatedly directed local authorities to implement sterilisation, vaccination, and sheltering measures, particularly around schools, hospitals, and high-traffic zones. 

It has also ordered states to remove stray animals from highways to reduce accidents. 

However, ground-level implementation of these directives remains inconsistent.

Hanumakonda case exposes scale of killings

The gravity of the situation became evident in Pathipaka village in Hanumakonda district, where around 200 street dogs were allegedly poisoned and buried. 

The killings reportedly began soon after the panchayat elections, but came to light only on January 25, when locals alerted animal activists to buried carcasses near the village.

Commenting on the issue, Prasanna Viswanathan, an IT professional who tracks urbanisation trends, described the killings as “criminal cruelty” and warned against attempts to project such actions as administrative efficiency. 

He reiterated that animal birth control, vaccination, and sheltering remain the only lawful and scientific solutions to the stray dog problem.

Public anger and online backlash

The scale and brazenness of the killings have drawn strong reactions from the public. 

Many citizens who do not identify as animal rights activists have condemned the actions, accusing local authorities of choosing the easiest and most inhumane option after failing to utilise funds meant for sterilisation and vaccination.

Social media users have questioned what such actions reveal about governance and societal values, particularly when carried out openly and allegedly with the involvement of local officials.

Repeated incidents and police action

This is the second major case reported this month under the Shayampet police station limits. 

Earlier, on January 9, around 300 dogs were found dead in Arepally village. 

An FIR was registered against the village sarpanch, secretary, and others under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which criminalise mass poisoning and killing of animals.

Similar reports have emerged from Kamareddy, Jagtial, Ranga Reddy, Hanumakonda, and Nagarkurnool districts. 

In Thimmaipally village in Nagarkurnool alone, nearly 100 dogs were allegedly killed through poisonous injections earlier this month.

Election promises linked to killings

Animal welfare groups allege that the killings began soon after the gram panchayat elections held between November and December. 

According to activists, several candidates had promised voters the removal of stray dogs and monkeys. 

After winning, some elected representatives allegedly resorted to mass poisoning to fulfil these assurances quickly.

In several villages, the killings reportedly occurred in broad daylight, suggesting a lack of fear of legal consequences. 

Activists believe many more cases remain undocumented, particularly in distant rural areas.

Estimates suggest that the death toll may range between 1,200 and 1,500 animals since December 2025.

Calls for justice

On January 27, animal welfare activists, environmentalists, lawyers, and caregivers gathered in Delhi to hold a symbolic terahvi ceremony to mourn the dead animals and demand accountability. 

Participants said the incidents reflect systemic failure in enforcing animal protection laws and a growing normalisation of violence against community animals.

While police action has begun in some districts, activists insist that isolated FIRs are insufficient. 

They are calling for strict prosecution of those responsible and urgent implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules.

Animal welfare groups maintain that the stray dog issue can only be addressed through sustained sterilisation programmes, rabies vaccination, and public awareness initiatives—measures that protect both human safety and animal welfare without resorting to killing.