Authorities in Telangana are investigating after at least 354 stray dogs were killed across six villages in the past month. Police have arrested nine people linked to some cases. Villagers say candidates in recent elections promised to remove stray dogs and monkeys. Activists told BBC the dogs were poisoned or given lethal injections. Police await forensic reports to confirm killing methods. The killings happened between late December and mid-January across three districts. Police sub-inspector S Anil said 244 dogs died in Kamareddy district and were buried in four places. Council heads from three villages were involved. In Shayampet and Arepally villages near Warangal, 110 dogs were killed and nine arrests made, including village council leaders. In Jagtial city, police are investigating claims of about 40 dog deaths. Telangana minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka called the killings "illegal" and "inhumane," warning that offenders would face strict punishment. She said killing dogs for population control is never justified. Authorities have been ordered to prevent such events again. Residents are divided. Some say only rabid or aggressive dogs causing accidents were killed. Raju, son of Arepally village head, told BBC, "They were diseased, aggressive and caused road accidents and serious injuries." Others fear dog bites and disease. Telangana logged nearly 122,000 dog bite cases in 2024, but no deaths from rabies. The mass killings have sparked outrage amid ongoing national debates and Supreme Court cases about handling stray animals. Animal welfare groups oppose mass removal, citing animal cruelty and shelter limits. Meanwhile, animal attacks and stray animals remain a public concern in many Indian states. The killings also came alongside reports of monkeys found dead or injured in the same region after being allegedly tranquillised and dumped. Telangana officials continue to probe all such stray animal incidents.