Police Investigate Stray Dog Killings in Kanpur, Seek Suspects

Police in Kanpur are investigating the killing of stray dogs in the Jajmau area, focusing on identifying six individuals captured on CCTV footage. Inspector Jitendra Singh confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects, with the investigation expected to yield results soon.

The situation escalated after a BBA student was attacked by stray dogs, leading to increased public concern. In response, some residents allegedly hired private workers to capture and dispose of the dogs, paying between ₹200 and ₹500 for each animal. Three videos showcasing these actions have circulated widely on social media, prompting outrage from animal welfare advocates.

Evidence of Cruelty

The videos depict lifeless dogs alongside footage of men stuffing the animals into sacks. One video even features a conversation regarding the number of dogs being captured. Vidhya Bhushan Tiwari, a representative of the animal welfare group A Faithful Hand, suspects that approximately 10 dogs have been killed. “I suspect at least 10 dogs have been killed by now, as locals reported that friendly dogs from their neighborhood are now missing,” he stated.

The police have expanded their investigation to various locations, including the banks of the Ganga River and nearby forests. They aim to conduct postmortems to determine the cause of death for the dogs. “We are thoroughly searching all possible spots as part of this investigation. A case of animal cruelty has been registered against six unidentified individuals,” Inspector Singh explained. The police are working to trace the vehicle used in the incident, although reported addresses have turned out to be vacant.

Misrepresentation and Public Confusion

Residents of the Emrald Gulistan Society expressed confusion regarding the identities of the individuals involved. Many were unaware that the men were unauthorized. “Someone mentioned that they were from the KMC and would handle the dogs for a fee. They presented themselves in a way that led everyone to believe they were legitimate,” said one anonymous resident.

The chief veterinary officer of Kanpur Nagar Nigam, RK Niranjan, addressed the situation, emphasizing that no official squad was formed for this purpose. “We are very disturbed after watching the videos. The people capturing the dogs have no connection with the KMC. This seems to have been done out of greed for money. Our policy is to catch dogs, sterilize them, and then release them back into the same area,” he added.

The ongoing investigation reflects a broader concern about animal welfare and the responsibilities of local authorities in managing stray populations humanely. As the situation develops, both the police and animal rights activists remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure justice for the affected animals.