Outrage Over Mass Killing Of 50 Stray Dogs In Dharmapuri

Adulapuram Goutham, cruelty prevention manager of the Stray Animal Foundation of India, alleged that municipal workers administered poisonous injections to the animals three days ago. Despite what he described as clear video evidence and formal complaints, he claimed that neither the local police nor the district administration has initiated legal action so far.

According to the complainant, the killings were carried out in broad daylight by municipal staff, in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Goutham said he reached the Dharmapuri police station while the carcasses were still lying on the streets, but alleged that the police failed to seize the bodies or arrange mandatory post-mortem examinations.

He claimed to possess video and documentary evidence showing the involvement of municipal workers and alleged that the bodies were quickly disposed of to destroy evidence, calling it a serious dereliction of duty by the police.

The NGO has brought the issue to the notice of senior district authorities and submitted written petitions to the police superintendent and the district collector of Jagtial. It has demanded the registration of an FIR against those responsible, suspension of the Dharmapuri municipal commissioner for allegedly ordering the killings, and a forensic inquiry into the cause of death.

Dharmapuri municipal commissioner M. Srinivas Rao told Deccan Chronicle that the allegations were baseless and denied the involvement of municipal staff. He said the incident could be the work of unknown persons and added that the municipality maintains duty registers documenting staff deployment. He said a letter had already been sent to the police requesting a thorough investigation to identify the culprits.

Goutham said former Union minister Menaka Gandhi had personally intervened and spoken to Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy, urging immediate action and strict legal proceedings against those responsible. He also expressed concerns over his personal safety, claiming he has been receiving threats from local politicians and influential individuals, and sought police protection.

Activists pointed out that the incident violates Supreme Court rulings that prohibit the killing of stray dogs and mandate sterilisation and vaccination instead. They warned that inaction by the Jagtial district administration could set a dangerous precedent by allowing officials to bypass the law without accountability.