Village Officials Accused of Dumping Stray Dogs in Forest From Nallabelli Village
During an on-site inquiry conducted on February 13, the foundation members found that the animals had been relocated to a nearby forest.
Warangal: A formal complaint has been lodged with the Nallabelli police by the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI) against village officials over the alleged illegal capture and relocation of nearly 100 stray dogs from Nallabelli village in Warangal district.
The complaint names the village sarpanch, deputy sarpanch and gram panchayat secretary, alleging that the animals were transported and abandoned in a forest area about 10 km away from the village on February 8.
Adulapuram Goutham, Cruelty Prevention manager of SAFI, said the dogs were captured using metal wires, which could cause permanent injury. During an on-site inquiry conducted on February 13, the foundation members found that the animals had been relocated to a nearby forest.
The foundation submitted recorded phone conversations to the police. According to SAFI, the gram panchayat secretary admitted during a call that 70 dogs were relocated, while the deputy sarpanch also confirmed the action. It was alleged that a private individual from Mulugu district was engaged to carry out the operation.
The complaint cites provisions of Section 11(1)(a) and 38(3) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, stating that such relocation and treatment of stray animals is prohibited.
SAFI members have urged the station house officer of Nallabelli to register an FIR and initiate legal action against those involved, seeking a detailed investigation into the matter.