Chennai: Four stray dogs and several crows were found dead, allegedly after being poisoned in Neelankarai, on Tuesday. The corpses of the animals were found near Vettuvankeni after someone informed animal activists. According to F.M. Gerald, animal welfare officer with the Animal Welfare Board of India, the dead dogs were found frothing in the mouth, showing traces of poisoning.
Of the dead, two were adult dogs and two, one-month-old puppies. Four other puppies are said to be in a critical condition and have been taken to the veterinary hospital. The bodies of more than 15 crows were also found in the same area.
Gerald says, “There could be more stray dogs and crows who have been poisoned and we do not know. There is a good possibility that they turn up dead or carry the poison.” An FIR has been filed with the Neelankarai police station.
Gerald says that 2014 has not been so good for stray animals with similar incidents of animals being poisoned surfacing from various parts of the city and state. Activists say that some people find strays a nuisance and crows become collateral damage as the poisoned food is left in the open.
