- Allegations of mass killing of stray dogs in Pathipaka village
- Animal welfare activists seek FIR and high level investigation
Animal welfare activists have alleged that nearly 200 stray dogs were killed and buried in Pathipaka village under Shayampet mandal in Warangal district. The allegation has triggered demands for a high level investigation, with activists describing the incident as a “brutal and illegal” mass killing of animals.
Members of the Stray Animal Foundation of India, also known as SAFI, approached the local police and raised the issue. They claimed the incident took place about a month ago. According to them, village level authorities ordered the killings. The activists said they approached the police on Monday and submitted formal complaints seeking immediate action.
According to the complaint, which is based on interactions with villagers, the stray dogs were allegedly given poisonous injections. Later, the bodies were transported to a site close to the village. The complainants alleged that the carcasses were either burnt or buried in an attempt to destroy evidence. Activists said the incident came to light after a SAFI team visited the village following complaints from local residents.
Meanwhile, SAFI members stated that they were able to identify the exact site where the dog carcasses were allegedly disposed of. They then submitted a formal complaint at the Shayampet Police Station. They also sent representations to senior police officials. In these complaints, the organisation demanded registration of an FIR against the gram panchayat secretary and unidentified persons who were allegedly hired to carry out the killings.
The activists further stated that the incident amounted to a serious violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. They said the mass killing of stray animals was illegal. They also stressed that such actions could not be justified as a way to address human animal conflict.
Animal welfare groups have also demanded that authorities exhume the remains. They have called for post mortem examinations to confirm the alleged use of poison. This incident is the second such case reported this month from villages under the Shayampet police station limits. Earlier, police registered an FIR after a complaint alleged that nearly 300 stray dogs were killed in Arepally village, which also falls under the same jurisdiction.
Citing multiple incidents from the same region, activists alleged a disturbing pattern. They claimed that more than 1,000 stray dogs may have been illegally killed across villages in recent weeks. Police officials, however, said inquiries were underway and further action would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
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