Hanumakonda, Telangana: In a disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty, police have registered an FIR against nine people, including the Shyampet sarpanch, for reportedly killing nearly 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages in Hanumakonda district.

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According to the FIR lodged at Shyampet Police Station, the sarpanch’s staff allegedly hired two individuals to carry out the mass killing by administering poisonous injections to the dogs. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and animal welfare activists.

Police have booked the accused under Section 11(1)(a)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 

The development came amid dog lovers, experts, and activists staging a protest in New Delhi over the Supreme Court's recent order to remove street dogs from public spaces, demanding an evidence-based, lawful and humane policy on stray dogs.

The apex court in November directed the removal of all stray dogs from railway stations, schools, hospitals, bus stops and other public areas, and their relocation to "designated shelters" after due sterilisation and vaccination in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules.