In a shocking incident, four community dogs that were being cared for by a resident in Rangarajapuram near Kodambakkam were poisoned on Monday.
R. Sridevi, in whose house the mongrels were staying, said the poisoned food was probably left for the 10 dogs there.
However, in the morning, only six of them went out.
According to her, around 4 a.m., two persons, who she believes are residents of nearby Kamarajapuram, left the poisoned food near her house, probably knowing that the dogs would come out at that time. As soon as the animals began eating, they collapsed.
Ms. Sridevi, who coincidentally had noticed the duo, immediately called the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and their veterinarian came and checked the condition of the dogs that ate the poisoned food. Two of the six could be saved after treatment. “Though the veterinarian said both of them would be alright, I was not convinced as they kept vomiting,” she said.
SPCA authorities said getting the medicines to treat the poisoned dogs delayed them. However, they managed to treat two of them, whose condition is improving. SPCA authorities have taken the bodies to the Madras Veterinary College Hospital for post-mortem.
Shiranee Pereira, co-founder, People for Animals (PfA) said purposeful maiming or killing animals would attract severe punishment. Police could file cases under sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, which clearly says that apart from penalty, the offenders could be imprisoned for up to five years.
Ms. Sridevi said soon after getting the post-mortem report, she would file a complaint at the police station.
