Animal activists have filed a complaint against a resident of Chitlapakkam for the murder of 13 dogs and four crows. The incident came to light after animal activist Shravan Krishnan received an email on Monday regarding the 'mass murder'.
The animals were poisoned, according to the activists who visited the site of the crime in Kancheepuram district. The poison was allegedly applied over a dead calf which the dogs were feeding on. The animals died on August 25 and were frothing and bleeding from their mouths, according to residents. Of the 13 dogs, 11 were adults while two were puppies.
"When we enquired with residents, they told us that a man named Anna Durai who breeds poultry and livestock was responsible for the killings," says Shravan. "This is not the first time he is killing these animals. He had earlier committed a similar crime because he believes the dogs are troubling his livestock," he adds.
The activists however claim to have faced several hurdles while filing the complaint. "A local AIADMK leader first told us not to name Anna Durai. Then, the police did not mention his name in the FIR. They simply said that a resident had committed the crime," says Shravan. A case has been registered under sections 428 (Mischief by killing or maiming animal), 429 (Mischief by killing or maiming cattle), 328 (Causing hurt by means of poison) and Section 11 (Treating animals cruelly) of the prevention of cruelty to animals act (1960).
Members of the disease intelligence unit and Animal Husbandry department from Kancheepiuram district were also present at the site to inspect the bodies. Vetenarians however pronounced that a postmortem could not be performed as the bodies were highly decomposed.
"In addition to this, residents had tried to burn the corpses because of the foul stench," explains Ashwath, another activist. "We have now buried the bodies and will be meeting the Deputy Commissioner regarding the case on Tuesday," he added.