Killing of stray dogs in Telangana: Dozens of people were poisoned in the village, police started full investigation. Hyderabad-News News

Last updated:February 02, 2026, 15:02 IST

According to local people, some people allegedly mixed poison in the food and left it at several places in the village. Bodies of stray dogs found on the streets on Monday

A disturbing incident of animal cruelty has come to light from Telangana’s Jagtial district, where dozens of stray dogs were allegedly poisoned to death in a village, sparking outrage among residents and animal welfare groups. The episode has once again brought into focus the growing tension between public safety concerns and humane animal control measures.

The incident took place in Abbur village of Golapalli mandal of Jagtial district. According to local people, several unidentified persons allegedly mixed poison in the food late on Sunday night and released it at several places across the village. When the villagers woke up on Monday morning, they saw dead bodies of stray dogs lying on the sides of the roads and streets.

Residents said the number of stray dogs in the area had increased in recent months, and some were discussing the issue informally. However, instead of approaching local authorities or municipal bodies for a legal solution, some individuals have taken matters into their own hands by choosing the cruel and illegal route.

Within hours of eating the poisoned food, dogs reportedly began collapsing in public places, with many of them dying in apparent distress. The scale of the deaths shocked the small village, with photos of the bodies quickly spreading on social media and garnering statewide attention.

Police should step forward

Local youth and animal lovers immediately reacted to this incident. A formal complaint was lodged at Golapalli police station, following which sub-inspector Krishnasagar Reddy visited the village to assess the situation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the poison was administered intentionally. Police have registered a case and started examining CCTV footage of the surrounding areas to identify those responsible. Officials said more information will emerge as the investigation progresses.

The investigating officer reportedly made it clear that killing animals due to nuisance or inconvenience is a punishable offence. Authorities have stressed that such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances and those involved will face legal consequences if found guilty.

What does the law say

The law provides explicit protection for animals, including stray dogs. Under sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, maiming or killing animals is a criminal offense punishable with fine and imprisonment. Additionally, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 prohibits acts that cause unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.

Supreme Court decisions over the years have emphasized that stray dogs cannot be killed as a method of population control. Instead, the legally recognized approach is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which focuses on sterilization and vaccination to humanely manage stray populations. Municipal bodies, not private citizens, are responsible for enforcing these measures.

animal welfare group response

Animal rights organizations across Telangana have condemned the incident, calling it inhumane and illegal. Welfare activists argue that poisoning animals reflects growing intolerance and a lack of awareness of legitimate solutions.

Many stress that concerns about the stray dog ​​population should be addressed through civic channels such as municipal corporations or panchayat offices, which can coordinate sterilization drives and vaccinations. He says that resorting to violence not only worsens the problem, but also puts communities at legal risk.

In Abbur village, some dogs, which had allegedly consumed poisonous food but survived, are now undergoing treatment from veterinarians. Local volunteers and youth groups have stepped in to assist in rescue efforts and are demanding strict punishment for those responsible.

a big debate

Incidents involving stray dogs often give rise to emotional and polarizing debates in India. While some residents raise safety concerns, especially involving children and the elderly, animal welfare advocates insist that cruelty cannot be the answer. Experts say uncontrolled killings neither solve the root problem nor prevent future population growth. Instead, they advocate continued sterilization programs, waste management improvements, and community awareness as long-term solutions.

The Abbur episode is a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between human convenience and compassion for animals. As the investigation continues, the focus has now turned to accountability, and also whether the tragedy will inspire stronger enforcement of animal protection laws and better citizen responses to stray animal management.