Death of a guardian: Why an entire Kerala village is mourning the loss of one dog

Kunjipally village near Azhiyoor in Kozhikode is in mourning. A death on September 8 has submerged the entire village in grief, and the residents of Kunjipally have placed black flags and condolence boards everywhere, seeking to find the person murdered their beloved guardian, Ali Appu, a street dog.

“The guardian and companion of our village, Ali Appu was hacked to death by some anti socials.

Hey killers, you have not just hacked Ali Appu, in the dark. You also killed our peace,” the condolence posters read.

“We will retaliate for this in broad daylight,” it further warns.

Yes, one whole village is mourning the death of a street dog who was with them for last eight years.

Ali Appu was found with his throat cut on the morning of September 5. He was given treatment by the locals in a nearby veterinary hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.

He was buried in the village on September 8 and many people gathered around to see him for the last time.

“Eight years ago, the dog came to Kunjipally from somewhere. He was named Ali Appu by someone here. He acted as a guard for many of the houses in Kunjipally. He also showed his presence during weddings as well as funerals. He has never hurt anyone in Kunjipally,” Syam Chandh, a Kunjipally resident wrote on his Facebook wall, as he shared Ali Appu’s picture.

“Five days ago he was brutally attacked, and on September 8 he succumbed to his injuries. He will be in all villagers’ heart forever. I pray to god that those who did this get punished,” he wrote.

Not only Syam, many have taken to social media to condemn the killing of their favourite dog.

According to the residents of Kunjipally, the dog was a guardian for all of them in all senses. He followed the children who went to Madrassa in the early morning. He also kept a vigil, and informed the residents about the entry of strangers in the area.

Many consider the killing of this dog as a threat to the village. They believe that some criminals who found this dog a hindrance to their activities did this.

“The death of this dog is not silly. This shows that drug and other crime mafia are trying to enter our village. Tomorrow this can happen to us if we block their way,” Faisal KP wrote on Facebook.