A disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty has surfaced in Yacharam village of Rangareddy district, where around 100 stray dogs were reportedly killed using poisonous injections and buried in open land. The incident has triggered outrage among animal welfare groups and prompted a police investigation.
According to officials, the complaint was filed by Mudavath Preethi (22), an Animal Cruelty Prevention Assistant from Nagarkarnool district. In her petition to the police, she stated that she received information on January 19, 2026, around 9:00 AM, that stray dogs in Yacharam village were killed allegedly on the instructions of the village Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary.
The complainant said she was informed through conversations between animal welfare activists and village representatives. In one call, a ward member reportedly claimed that the dogs had been relocated. However, in another conversation with an animal welfare activist, the same ward member allegedly admitted that the dogs were given anesthesia injections. Upon further enquiry with Yacharam villagers, Preethi stated that she confirmed the dogs were injected with poisonous substances, leading to their deaths.
Following the complaint, Yacharam police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11(1)(a)(i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. The case was registered as Crime No. 15/2026, and an investigation was initiated by Sub-Inspector U. Madhu.
On Thursday, police officials along with health department personnel and local authorities reached the suspected burial site. Digging operations were undertaken in an open land area where the dogs were allegedly buried. Officials said the excavation is part of evidence collection to verify the allegations and strengthen the investigation.
Animal welfare activists have condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible. They have urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such acts of cruelty in the future.