The Velloor police on Tuesday launched a probe into the death of several stray dogs, suspected to be due to poisoning, in Moolakkulam grama panchayat.
On the basis of a complaint lodged by an animal lover, the police booked a case under IPC Section 429 (mischief by killing or poisoning animals). As part of the investigation, the buried carcasses of the animals were exhumed and sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
Several stray dogs were found dead in different locations in the Karikkode-Keezhoor region of the local body on Monday. The scope of the police investigation, however, includes the death of only four dogs, which also includes a pet dog owned by the complainant.
The mass killing of dogs had sparked widespread condemnation from several animal rights activists in the State.