Forty stray dogs were brutally killed at Kalady Grama panchayat in Ernakulam district on Wednesday by civic body authorities and the Stray Dog Eradication Group.

At least 15 dogs were allegedly slammed onto the floor until they died. Unofficial sources said that the incident took place in the Panchayat office premises. The dead dogs were reportedly taken in a goods auto rickshaw and buried. After local media were informed of the mass dog killing, people rushed to the spot to take photos and videos of the dead animals.

The latest incident comes despite warnings over the illegal culling of dogs and after several arrests.

K Tulasi, Panchayat President told The News Minute that all the dogs which were killed showed violent behaviour and were a threat to the public. “We will continue to do this, as for us people’s life is important,” he said.

Local media reports suggested that the mass killing was allegedly committed by Ranjan, a Varappuzha native, who has been assisting Stray Dog Eradication Group. Jose Maveli, who heads the group, was not present when the incident took place.

Police have exhumed the carcasses of the dogs and autopsies have been conducted.

Police have registered a case against the Panchayat representatives and Jose Maveli.

“A case has been registered against 17 people under sections of IPC, Kerala Police Act and Prevention of Cruelty against Animals Act,” Kalady Sun Inspector Anilkumar told TNM.