In the last 10 to 15 days, at least 30 to 40 dogs have been reportedly poisoned to death at Karathampattu village near K. V. Kuppam. Police have registered a case after the owner of a pet dog lodged a complaint on Tuesday.
According to police, the complainant, Kathiravan, a resident of Karathampattu, Pasumathur, owned two pet dogs that were kept at his dairy farm.
“About five to six days ago, one of his dogs died. The other dog died two days ago. A number of stray dogs were also found dead in the village. Following this, he informed an animal welfare organisation, and also lodged a complaint with the K. V. Kuppam police,” a police officer said.
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He added that Kathiravan and residents of the area alleged that Vallavan, who is running a poultry farm, had poisoned the dogs in the last 10 to 15 days. They told police and the animal welfare organisation (New World Animal Rescue Charitable Trust) members that Vallavan poisoned the dogs after the animals attacked the hens at the poultry farm.
“They said that he mixed poison with meat and kept the meat in various places in the village. He targeted two to three dogs a day. The animals, on consuming it, were found dead within 10 minutes. Villagers said at least 30 to 40 dogs were killed, and they buried some of the highly decomposed carcasses,” he added.
S. Sugumar, founder and chairperson of New World Animal Rescue Charitable Trust, said on being informed by Kathiravan, they visited the village and found 14 carcasses. “We have photographed 14 carcasses in the village. There are no dogs in the locality now. When inquired, residents said at least 40 dogs have died in the area,” he said.
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A government veterinary doctor performed post mortem on one of the carcasses and the samples have been sent for analysis to determine the type of poison used, police said.