Munnar: A case has been registered against the Munnar panchayat following allegations of a mass culling of stray dogs, after an animal rights activist from an Idukki-based rescue team lodged a formal complaint. The activist accused the panchayat authorities of killing hundreds of stray dogs in a recent drive.
The complaint was filed after a video showing stray dogs being captured and transported in a vehicle belonging to the panchayat went viral on social media and was widely aired on television. The activist also alleged that the authorities attempted to secretly relocate the carcasses from the site where they had been buried.
"We received information that the panchayat was making a secret move to relocate the carcasses. We filed the complaint based on that," the activist said on Sunday.
Police have confirmed that a case has been registered, although no substantial evidence has been found so far to support the allegations. The case has been filed against the driver of the panchayat vehicle.
"We have not obtained any evidence to substantiate the allegations yet. The investigation is ongoing," a police officer said.
The case has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with mischief by killing or maiming animals, as well as under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The development comes amid growing public concern over the stray dog menace in Munnar, with the local panchayat facing mounting pressure and criticism from residents.
With PTI inputs