NIT Warangal chief warden, dog-catching team booked for alleged cruelty to stray dogs
Animal welfare activist A Goutham alleged that the dogs were caught using metal wires, dragged across the ground and forcibly loaded into a vehicle
By Newsmeter Network
Warangal: Police have booked the Chief Warden of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, and three members of a dog-catching team for allegedly subjecting stray dogs to cruelty during an attempted relocation from the campus.
The action was taken following a complaint by an animal welfare activist.
Alleged cruelty during campus operation
According to the complaint, the incident took place on January 17, when a dog-catching team was brought onto the NIT Warangal campus to remove stray dogs. The operation was allegedly carried out on the instructions of the Chief Warden.
Animal welfare activist A Goutham alleged that the dogs were caught using metal wires, dragged across the ground and forcibly loaded into a vehicle, causing them severe physical pain and distress.
Activist flags ‘inhumane’ methods
Goutham, who is associated with the Stray Animal Foundation of India, described the method adopted by the team as ‘inhumane’ and in violation of animal protection norms.
“The dogs were subjected to extreme physical suffering. Such actions amount to cruelty and are illegal,” he stated in his complaint to the police.
Intervention halts relocation
The complainant said that animal welfare activists who became aware of the operation intervened promptly and managed to stop the relocation. However, he added that by the time the activity was halted, the animals had already endured unnecessary pain and trauma.
FIR registered, probe on
Based on the complaint, police registered a case on January 19 at Kazipet Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A police official confirmed that an FIR has been filed against the Chief Warden and the three members of the dog-catching team, adding that further investigation is underway to determine accountability and compliance with animal welfare laws.
What comes next?
Police said they will record statements from witnesses, activists and those involved in the operation, and examine whether standard procedures for handling and relocating stray animals were violated.
