In December 2025, around the time of gram panchayat elections in Telangana, stray dogs began turning up dead in several villages. At first, the numbers were small. But within weeks, reports of mass killings emerged from districts including Hanamkonda, Kamareddy, Yacharam, and Jagtial.
Animal welfare groups alleged that dogs were being poisoned or given lethal injections. In one widely shared video from Jagtial district, a man was seen injecting a stray dog with an unknown substance. Moments later, the dog collapsed. The footage prompted police action.
By January 2026, activists and media reports alleged that over 1,200 dogs had been killed across the state, with some estimates suggesting the number could be higher.
In Arepally village, police registered an FIR after around 300 dogs were found dead on 9 January. The village sarpanch, secretary, and others were booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Also Watch: Animal Blood Donation Is A Thing
According to villagers and animal welfare groups, the killings were linked to election promises. They alleged that some candidates had promised “dog-free villages” after residents raised concerns about dog bites and safety. After the elections, private contractors were allegedly hired to kill the dogs, with reports stating they were paid around Rs. 500 per dog.
Also Read: SC on Stray Dogs in Schools & Hospitals
The issue reached the Supreme Court of India, which described the situation as an “institutional failure”. The court said killing stray dogs was illegal and an unacceptable solution.
Investigations into the Telangana killings were still underway at the time of publishing.
Also Read: 20-Year-Old Detained After Two-and-a-Half-Month-Old Puppy Sexually Assaulted in Mumbai’s Malad
