Telangana is facing a severe crisis involving the mass killing of stray dogs, with the death toll sharply rising in the past month. Reports indicate that approximately 300 more dogs have been killed, bringing the total to a staggering 900 in just one month. These incidents have sparked outrage among animal welfare activists and raised serious questions about the methods being employed and the motivations behind them.

The killings have been reported across several districts, including Kamareddy, Hanamkonda, and Rangareddy. In one instance, nearly 100 dogs were allegedly poisoned in Yacharam village, near Hyderabad, prompting the police to launch an investigation. The Stray Animal Foundation of India filed a complaint, alleging that the dogs were poisoned on January 19. Yacharam Police Inspector A. Nandeshwar Reddy stated that inspections were carried out, but no carcasses were found.

In other instances, mass killings were linked to newly elected Gram Panchayat leaders fulfilling election promises to tackle the stray dog menace. Allegedly, these leaders hired individuals to eliminate the dogs, with some paying around Rs 500 per dog for poisoning and disposal. Police have booked cases against several individuals, including Sarpanches, in connection with these incidents.

Veterinary experts suspect that strychnine, a banned neurotoxin, was used to poison the dogs. Strychnine induces convulsions and leads to respiratory failure. The use of this substance is a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Animal welfare organizations are demanding strict action against those responsible for the killings. They emphasize the need for humane methods of population control, such as sterilization and vaccination programs. Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures are considered effective in managing stray dog populations, but these programs are often limited to cities and towns, neglecting rural areas where the problem persists.

The Supreme Court has also weighed in on the issue of stray dogs, directing that strays be shifted to shelters and later modifying the ruling to allow their release after sterilization and vaccination. The court has also ordered the removal of stray dogs from public places like schools and hospitals. However, states are seemingly failing to implement these directives due to a lack of infrastructure, funds, personnel, and will. The Supreme Court is considering whether to hold states liable for failing to enforce the rules.

The mass killings in Telangana highlight the urgent need for effective and humane solutions to manage stray dog populations. These include the implementation of ABC programs, responsible garbage disposal, and public awareness campaigns. Until these measures are taken seriously, the cycle of violence and cruelty is likely to continue.