FIR Registered for Killing of Dogs in Nizamabad Following PETA India, SAFI, and Smt Maneka Gandhi’s Intervention
After receiving a complaint and supporting evidence, regarding the alleged killing of community dogs in Yellammagutta area, reportedly by the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation officials, PETA India promptly worked with Adulapuram Goutham of the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI), who filed a complaint with the Fourth Town police station, leading to the registration of an FIR. Smt Maneka Gandhi, Former Union Cabinet Minister, also spoke with the Commissioner of Police, Nizamabad, which helped ensure the FIR was registered immediately.
The incident reportedly took place on 23 March at around 11:00 p.m., when individuals from the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation allegedly killed several community dogs in the Yellammagutta area, near the backside of Vijay Theatre, by reportedly administering poisonous injections. It is further alleged that a vehicle was used to transport the dead bodies of the dogs who were poisoned and killed. Concerned locals told SAFI that over the past several months, many more dogs may have been killed within the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation limits. PETA India urges public vigilance.
Following the complaint submitted by SAFI, the police registered a case against unknown persons and the driver of the vehicle under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Section 325 of the BNS makes killing or maiming of any animal a cognisable offence punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or with a fine, or both. Section 11 of the PCA Act prohibits causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.
Rule 11(19) of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, permits the capture of community dogs only for the purpose of sterilisation and makes it illegal to relocate or kill community animals. It states, “The dogs shall be released [after sterilisation] at the same place or locality from where they were captured.” The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in its order dated 22 August 2025, upheld the ABC Rules by reiterating that dogs shall be released back to their territories following the necessary procedures mandated in the ABC Rules, 2023.
Community dogs are often subjected to cruelty or struck by cars and commonly suffer from starvation, disease, or injury. Every year, many end up in animal shelters, where they languish in cages or kennels for lack of enough good homes. The solution is simple: sterilisation. Sterilising one female dog can prevent 67,000 births over six years, and sterilising one female cat can prevent 420,000 births over seven years.
PETA India recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates a deep psychological disturbance. Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans. A study published in Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal stated, “Those who engage in cruelty to animals were [three] times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.”
