The alleged mass killing of nearly 300 stray dogs in Telangana’s Hanumakonda district has triggered widespread outrage, legal scrutiny, and a renewed national conversation around humane animal population control. Police have booked nine individuals—including two elected village sarpanches—after an NGO accused local authorities of orchestrating the systematic killing of stray canines over a span of three days in early January.

The incident, reported from Shayampet and Arepally villages, has not only exposed deep tensions between animal welfare advocates and rural communities grappling with stray dog-related issues, but has also unfolded against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s ongoing hearings on rising stray dog attacks across India.

What Happened in Shayampet and Arepally?

According to police records and multiple media reports, the alleged killings took place between January 6 and January 8 within the jurisdiction of Shayampet and Arepally gram panchayats in Hanumakonda district, Telangana. The case came to light after a formal complaint was lodged with the Shayampet police by A. Goutham, Cruelty Prevention Officer and representative of the Karimnagar-based Stray Animal Foundation of India.

The complaint alleged that a large number of stray dogs were deliberately killed after two individuals were hired to administer lethal injections to the animals. After the dogs died, their bodies were reportedly buried or disposed of on the outskirts of the villages to conceal the act.

On January 11, following the complaint, police and veterinary officials visited the villages and conducted post-mortem examinations on exhumed carcasses, confirming that the dogs had been killed unnaturally. Based on the findings and the NGO’s petition, police registered cases against nine people connected to the village administration.

Who Has Been Booked?

Those named in the case include the sarpanches of Shayampet and Arepally villages, their husbands, a deputy sarpanch, two village secretaries, and two daily-wage labourers who were allegedly hired to carry out the killings.

Police have invoked provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, specifically Section 11(1)(a)(l), which deals with acts of cruelty resulting in the killing or maiming of animals. In addition, charges have been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 325, which pertains to mischief by killing or injuring animals.

Circle Inspector P. Ranjith Rao confirmed that the case was registered following the receipt of a petition on January 9. “The complaint states that nearly 300 dogs were killed by and with the cooperation of the Sarpanch, Vice-Sarpanch, Panchayat secretaries, and two others. Based on this, we registered a case under BNS 325 and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” he said.

Parkal Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Satishbabu also confirmed that an investigation is underway, adding that authorities are relying on the NGO’s complaint and forensic evidence collected from the sites.

#WATCH | Hanamkonda, Telangana: On FIR registered for allegedly killing 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages, P Ranjith Rao, Circle Inspector, Shayampet PS says, "On January 9th, we received petition from a cruelty prevention manager at Stray Animal Foundation. In… https://t.co/ZmhPGbgTds pic.twitter.com/mSXUE77Pyj— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026

Discrepancy in Numbers Under Investigation

While the initial complaint alleged the killing of approximately 300 stray dogs, police officials have indicated that preliminary findings suggest the actual number may be lower. According to Circle Inspector Rao, investigations so far indicate that “roughly one-tenth” of the claimed number of dogs were killed across the two villages.

Several carcasses were sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) for detailed post-mortem analysis. Officials have clarified that the investigation is ongoing and the final count will be determined after forensic reports and witness statements are thoroughly examined.

Why Were the Dogs Allegedly Killed?

The case has brought to the surface a sharp divide between animal welfare groups and local residents. Village elders and local leaders, quoted by The Times of India, have questioned the basis of the NGO’s complaint and defended the alleged actions, claiming they were taken under intense public pressure.

According to these sources, the growing stray dog population had become a serious nuisance in the villages, with residents complaining of frequent dog bites, skin infections, and safety concerns—particularly involving children and elderly people. The issue reportedly gained prominence during the recent sarpanch elections, where candidates faced repeated demands from villagers to address the stray dog problem.

Residents allegedly argued that the killings were carried out in response to this sustained public demand, framing the issue as one of public safety rather than cruelty.

NGO’s Stand: “Killing Is Not a Solution”

The Stray Animal Foundation of India, however, has strongly condemned the alleged killings and reiterated that culling dogs is neither legal nor effective. In his complaint, A. Goutham urged the government to take action against those responsible and called for the implementation of humane, scientific measures to manage the stray dog population.

The NGO stressed the need for structured animal birth control (ABC) programmes, sterilisation drives, and mass vaccination campaigns to control rabies and prevent dog-related incidents. These measures, animal welfare groups argue, are in line with existing laws and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and central authorities.

During the investigation, Circle Inspector Rao also appealed to the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands. “I request people to adopt government-approved methods like sterilisation and vaccination and not kill dogs or other animals,” he said.

A Case Unfolding Amid a National Crisis

The Telangana incident has occurred at a time when stray dog attacks are under intense national scrutiny. On January 9, the Supreme Court resumed hearings for the third consecutive day on a batch of petitions related to rising stray dog bite cases across the country.

During the hearing, a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N. V. Anjaria observed that there are numerous videos circulating on online platforms showing stray dogs attacking children and elderly individuals. At the same time, the court made it clear that it does not want the issue to be framed as a binary conflict between animal cruelty concerns and public safety.

“There are ‘n’ number of videos on YouTube where dogs are attacking children and old people. We don’t want a competition here,” the Bench remarked, underscoring the need for balanced, lawful solutions.

Last year, the Supreme Court had directed authorities in Delhi to relocate stray dogs to enclosed areas as part of measures aimed at improving public safety and controlling rabies, while also ensuring that animals are treated humanely.

Legal and Ethical Questions at the Forefront

The Hanumakonda case raises critical legal and ethical questions about how local administrations respond to public pressure and whether elected representatives can justify illegal actions in the name of community demand.

Under Indian law, the mass killing of stray dogs is prohibited, and responsibility for animal population management lies with local bodies, which are required to follow Animal Birth Control Rules and vaccination protocols. Any deviation from these guidelines can invite criminal liability.

As investigations continue, the Telangana police face the task of establishing individual culpability, verifying the scale of the killings, and determining whether official authority was misused.

What Lies Ahead?

With forensic reports awaited and statements being recorded, the case is expected to take time before reaching its conclusion. Regardless of the final outcome, the incident has already reignited debate on how India addresses the growing stray dog population—balancing human safety, animal rights, and legal accountability.

For animal welfare advocates, the Telangana case is a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring humane, preventive measures. For local communities, it reflects the frustration of living with unresolved public safety issues. And for policymakers, it highlights the urgent need for coordinated, lawful, and compassionate solutions—before public pressure turns into irreversible tragedy once again.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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