The Yacharam police have filed a criminal case against the village Gram Panchayat sarpanch and secretary. The case followed allegations that nearly 100 dogs were poisoned in Yacharam village near Hyderabad on January 19, 2026. The case was registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The complaint was filed by an animal welfare activist from the Stray Animal Foundation. Yacharam Police Inspector A. Nandeshwar Reddy said the case is based on this complaint, but no dog carcasses were found during the village inspection so far. "We are investigating the matter and also questioning villagers to ascertain the facts," he said. This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Telangana. Since January 6, over 550 stray dogs are suspected to have been killed across villages in Hanumakonda and Kamareddy districts. Investigations confirmed 250 dogs were killed in Bhavanipet, Palwancha, and Faridpet. Another 300 dogs were allegedly poisoned in Shayampet and Arepally villages in Hanumakonda. Preliminary probes suggest these killings relate to promises made during the Gram Panchayat elections in December. The promises were to handle the stray dog and monkey problems in villages. The police continue their investigation. Published - January 21, 2026 01:32 pm IST