Mass Dog Killings: 300 Strays Poisoned in Telangana; Sarpanches Booked

• Approximately 300 stray dogs were allegedly killed with poison injections in Shayampet and Arepally villages, Hanumakonda district, Telangana, between January 6-8.
• A case has been registered against 9 individuals, including Sarpanches, their spouses, Deputy Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, and laborers, following a complaint by Stray Animal Foundation of India.
• Police investigations found evidence for only about 30 dogs, despite the complaint mentioning 300; samples sent for forensic analysis.
• Villagers cited increased dog menace and fear among children/elderly as reasons, while NGOs advocate for Animal Birth Control (ABC) methods.
• Accused are booked under 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act-1960' and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS); Supreme Court emphasizes human safety but condemns killing voiceless animals.

Why It Matters: Mass killing of stray dogs in Telangana sparks outrage, leading to cases against local leaders and a legal battle.