Over 100 Stray dogs allegedly poisoned near Hyderabad, probe launched
Updated: Jan 21st, 2026
Police in Telangana are probing the alleged killing of more than 100 stray dogs in Yacharma village of Rangareddy district, around 50 kilometres from Hyderabad, according to reports. The incident has sparked anger among animal welfare groups and raised serious concerns about illegal methods being used to eliminate stray animals in the state.
The incident reportedly took place on January 19 and comes shortly after reports of over 500 stray dogs being killed across different parts of Telangana. An official complaint was filed by Mudavath Preethi from the Stray Animal Foundation of India, alleging that the dogs were drugged and killed.
Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against the village sarpanch, a ward member, and the village secretary under section of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act.
According to animal activists, the case became more suspicious due to the changing explanation from local officials. Initially, a ward member told an animal welfare volunteer that the dogs had been shifted elsewhere. However, during a later conversation with another activist, the same officials claimed that the dogs were given anaesthesia injections.
Further inquiries with villagers revealed a more disturbing version. Locals alleged that the dogs were injected with poisonous substances, which caused their deaths.
Police officials have reportedly said that they are treating the matter seriously, though the bodies of the dogs have not yet been found. “We are conducting a detailed investigation and are also trying to locate the burial sites of the dogs,” said Yacharam police station SHO A Nandeshwar Reddy.
Animal welfare groups believe that trained individuals may have been hired to carry out the killings. Similar methods involving lethal injections were reported earlier in districts such as Kamareddy, Hanamkonda, and Jagtial, where mass dog deaths were also recorded, according to reports.
The incident has renewed calls from activists for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws and human stray animal management practices.
