A dispute between a chicken shop owner and a garage owner over waste disposal has taken a disturbing turn after two stray dogs, including a four-month-old puppy, allegedly died from poisoning in Vijaya Bank Layout, Mico Layout.
Police have registered a criminal case against Tyagaraj, owner of GEV Broilers, following a complaint filed by resident and animal welfare advocate Varsha Anjanappa.
Residents allege dogs were poisoned
According to the complaint, the victims were a four-year-old stray dog named Whitey and a four-month-old puppy named Brownie. The dogs were regularly fed by local residents and often stayed near a chicken shop and a nearby garage.
Varsha alleged that the dogs consumed meat laced with poison and died shortly afterwards. Whitey reportedly collapsed on May 31 and died at a veterinary hospital. Brownie fell ill the following day and also succumbed despite being rushed for treatment.
Dispute over waste disposal
Residents said there had been frequent disagreements between Tyagaraj and Akbar Khan, owner of HKGN Automobile and Garage, regarding the disposal of waste from the chicken shop.
According to the complaint, veterinary doctors informed residents that the dogs appeared to have died due to poisoning. Varsha further alleged that poisoned meat had been placed outside the shop.
When questioned, Tyagaraj reportedly stated that the meat was intended to kill rats and not the dogs.
Police await autopsy findings
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to killing or poisoning animals and criminal intimidation.
A senior police officer said a notice has been issued to the accused and further action will depend on the findings of the autopsy report.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities awaiting forensic confirmation of the cause of death.