Danasari Anasuya | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The Telangana government has expressed grave concern following media reports that stray dogs were allegedly poisoned and killed in some villages across the state.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka confirmed that police cases have been registered and investigations into the incidents are currently underway.
Condemning the acts as inhumane and illegal, Ms. Seethakka said the killing of stray dogs under the pretext of population control cannot be justified under any circumstances. She emphasized that poisoning or harming animals is a criminal offense and those involved will face strict action.
While acknowledging that some villages are witnessing an increase in the population of stray dogs and related public complaints, she said the local authorities must deal with the issue strictly through legal, scientific and humane methods. She said drastic measures such as mass killing of animals were unacceptable and violated established protocols.
“Scientifically approved measures, including vaccination and sterilization, must be implemented as per central and state guidelines to control stray dog population,” the minister said, adding that the state government is taking the matter with utmost seriousness and has issued clear instructions to all Gram Panchayats to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Published – 21 Jan 2026 20:35 IST
