Authorities in the southern Indian state of Telangana have launched an investigation after hundreds of stray dogs were killed across at least six villages over the past month.
Police say they have confirmed at least 354 killings so far and have arrested nine people in connection with some of the cases. Animal welfare activists allege the dogs were either poisoned or given lethal injections, while police say they are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact method used.
Villagers have linked the killings to promises made by candidates during recent local election campaigns to eliminate stray dogs and monkeys.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, coming amid a broader national debate on how India should manage its stray animal population. Although stray dogs often provoke strong reactions, killings on such a large scale are rare.
Stray animals, particularly dogs, are considered a persistent issue in many parts of India, where they are frequently blamed for attacks on people, damage to crops and traffic accidents. The problem is attributed to gaps in sterilisation and vaccination programmes, poor waste management, abandonment of animals, shrinking wildlife habitats and weak enforcement of animal protection laws.
Animal rights activists have long warned that penalties for cruelty towards animals are inadequate, even though stray dogs are often closely integrated into local communities.
Telangana state minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka described the killings as illegal and inhumane, warning that those responsible would face strict action.
The issue of stray dogs is also being debated in India’s Supreme Court. Last August, the court ordered authorities in Delhi and its surrounding areas to move all stray dogs off the streets and into shelters within two months. Following protests, the order was later modified to require the animals to be vaccinated and immunised before being released back into their neighbourhoods.
Animal welfare groups argue that overcrowded shelters are not a scientific solution, while those calling for the removal of stray dogs from public spaces say uncontrolled populations endanger lives and livelihoods.
The killings in Telangana were reported across three districts between late December and mid-January. Police believe the deaths may have occurred over several days in each location.
In Kamareddy district, police say 244 dogs were killed and buried at four locations. Veterinary doctors conducted post-mortems and sent samples for laboratory analysis, and village council heads in three villages were found to be involved.
In Shayampet and Arepally villages near Warangal, police say 110 dogs were killed. Nine people, including village council heads, have been arrested in connection with the cases.
In Jagtial city, police are investigating a complaint that around 40 dogs were killed in late December, though no bodies have yet been recovered.
Minister Seethakka said killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control could not be justified under any circumstances, adding that the government had issued instructions to village councils to prevent similar incidents.
Animal welfare activists claim the true number of dogs killed may be higher than official figures.
Some residents, however, have defended the actions. One villager said only rabid and aggressive dogs were targeted, citing road accidents and serious injuries, while another said most residents supported the decision due to fears of dog bites and disease.
Federal government data shows Telangana recorded nearly 122,000 dog bite cases in 2024, though no rabies-related deaths were reported during the same period.
The dog killings coincided with other alleged incidents involving stray animals in the state, including reports that several monkeys were found dead or critically injured after being tranquillised and abandoned along a highway in Kamareddy district.
