Chennai: The merciless killing of 11 dogs at Mugalivakkam here has come as a
rude shock to the animal loving family, which had adopted the canines.
Carcasses of dogs, which are suspected to have been poisoned to death, had been sent for autopsy after a complaint was lodged with Mangadu police.
When K. Parthasarathy woke up on Thursday morning to take his dogs out for a walk, he was shocked to see the scattered bodies of the animals, which included the adopted 10 dogs and one of his pet dogs. “We initially saw two dead dogs and rushed them to the hospital. Rest of the dogs collapsed soon,” recalled S. Jahnavi.
The crime prompted Jahnavi to file a police complaint. “I have also petitioned the CM special cell for justice.” Oblivious to the death of the pet dog, its companion Jasper rushes to the gate, every time a sound is heard. “I do not know how to console Jasper,” said a moist-eyed Jahnavi. Grief struck the family, which shelters over 16 pet dogs and provides food and medical care for over 12 stray canines.
“I have seen the family sheltering many puppies that lie helplessly near the dustbin. Besides sterilising them, the family spends hefty amounts in feeding them”, said vendor Rajini.
When DC contacted Mangadu police station, the police officer said a case has been registered under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. “We are awaiting the test results sent to forensic lab after autopsy,” he added.
Condemning the act, Dawn Williams of Blue Cross said that such instances are common in a hostile locality like Mugalivakkam. “It is suspected to be an organised crime. In the recent past, I have filed over three cases related to cruelty of animals here,” he said.
