Minister Seethakka urges GPs to adopt humane methods in tackling stray dog menace, deplores killing of animals

The Telangana government has expressed serious concern following media reports that stray dogs were allegedly poisoned and killed in certain 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 are currently under way into the incidents.

Condemning the acts as inhumane and illegal, Ms. Seethakka stated that killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control cannot be justified under any circumstances. She emphasised that poisoning or causing harm to animals constitutes a criminal offence, and those involved will face stringent action.

While acknowledging that some villages are witnessing a rise in stray dog populations and related public complaints, she said that the local bodies must address the issue strictly through legal, scientific and humane methods. She said that drastic measures such as mass killing of animals are unacceptable and violate established protocols.

“Scientifically approved measures, including vaccination and sterilisation, must be implemented in line with Central and State guidelines for stray dog population management,” the Minister said, adding that the State government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and has issued clear instructions to all Gram Panchayats to prevent recurrence of such incidents.