In yet another disturbing case of alleged mass killing of stray dogs in Telangana, around 200 canines were reportedly killed in Hanamkonda district, pushing the total number of stray dogs found dead in the state since December 2025 to nearly 1,100, according to animal rights activists.
The latest incident was reported from Pathipaka village in Shayampet mandal. Animal welfare activist A Goutham, associated with the Stray Animal Foundation of India, lodged a complaint with police on Monday, alleging that the dogs were killed about a month ago by administering poisonous injections.
Allegations against local authorities
Goutham alleged that the mass killing was carried out on the orders of the Gram Panchayat Secretary. He said activists visited the village and spoke to residents, who reportedly confirmed the involvement of local officials. According to the complaint, the carcasses of the dogs were later buried in a graveyard to conceal the act.
He sought registration of a fresh FIR, calling the incident a gross violation of animal welfare laws and constitutional duties of elected representatives.
Complaint added to existing FIR
A police official from Shayampet Police Station said the complaint has been added to an existing FIR related to the alleged killing of around 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages. Earlier, nine people, including two women sarpanches and their husbands, were booked in connection with those cases.
“Further investigation is ongoing,” the officer said.
Multiple incidents across districts
January alone has seen several reports of mass stray dog killings across Telangana. In Pegadapally village of Jagtial district, about 300 dogs were allegedly killed on January 22 using poisonous injections. FIRs were registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Similar cases were reported from Yacharam village, where around 100 dogs were allegedly killed, and from Kamareddy district, where about 200 dogs were found dead, leading to the booking of six people, including five sarpanches.
Election-linked motive alleged
Animal rights activists have alleged that some elected representatives ordered the killings to fulfil promises made ahead of the December 2025 gram panchayat elections, citing stray dog menace as a local issue.
Activists continue to demand strict action, independent probes and statewide intervention to stop what they describe as systematic and organised cruelty.