In a shocking revelation, authorities in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district busted a two-person gang, that was allegedly selling dog meat to restaurants in G Konduru and Mylavaram.
According to reports, the duo, identified as Katta Adinarayana and Segu Lakshmanrao, claimed that it was venison (deer meat) to the hotels.
The incident came to light on Friday, after locals in Kodooru saw the duo capturing a street dog, killing it, skinning it, and then packing the meat, to supply it to hotels.
“The villagers and local panchayat officials informed us about the sale. We arrested the duo and seized the packets containing the dog meat...The veterinarian has collected samples of the dog meat for medical tests. Some samples would also be sent to the Regional Forensic Laboratory,” G. Konduru Sub-Inspector D Rajesh told The Hindu.
The newspaper also reported that the legs and head of the dog would be cut off, and the meat would cost Rs 300 per kg.
The Deccan Chronicle reported that the Krishna District Collector has ordered the Vijayawada revenue divisional officer to file a report regarding the sale of dog meat, and ordered food safety officials to file a case with the police immediately.
Following this, a case was registered underthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, besides sections 420 (Cheating) and 428 (Killing or maiming animal) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Reports suggested that the duo claimed that it was only the third dog that they had killed, but locals expressed doubts on their claims.
In the last week of October, officials of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department arrested five persons near the old railway gate in Nandyal and charged them with the hunting deer and stags in the Nallamala forest.
The police said that the accused were selling the meat, and also recovered four country-made rifles from their possession.