Around 200 stray dogs were killed in Hanamkonda district, Telangana, raising the total number of dog deaths in the state to 1,100 since December 2025, animal rights activists reported. A Goutham, an animal welfare activist, filed a police complaint on January 26, 2026. He said the dogs in Pathipaka village, Shayampet mandal, were poisoned about a month ago. The Gram Panchayat Secretary is accused of ordering this act. Goutham, who is the Cruelty Prevention Manager at Stray Animal Foundation of India, visited the village and spoke with locals. They confirmed the Secretary’s involvement. The dead dogs were buried in a graveyard. The police at Shayampet Police Station said they linked this complaint to an existing FIR about 300 stray dog deaths in Shayampet and Arepally villages. Nine people, including two women sarpanches and their husbands, were earlier booked for similar killings. Investigations are ongoing. In January alone, several incidents of stray dog killings were reported in Telangana. These killings are suspected to be linked to promises made by elected representatives during the December gram panchayat elections to solve the stray dog problem. For example, on January 22, about 300 dogs were poisoned in Pegadapally village, Jagtial district. Activists blamed the village sarpanch and Gram Panchayat secretary, and police registered an FIR against them. On January 19, 100 dogs were killed in Yacharam gram panchayat; police filed a case against the sarpanch, secretary, and ward member. Another incident in Kamareddy district involved killing about 200 stray dogs. Six people, including five sarpanches, were booked. Animal rights groups continue to demand strict action against those responsible.