TNN, Feb 26, 2011, 12.58am IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/45-stray-dogs-killed-and-buried-in-Tambaram-village/articleshow/7577075.cms
CHENNAI: A large number of stray dogs were culled and buried at Perumbakkam village near Tambaram on Friday. Animal activists said around 45 dogs were suspected to be culled after being administered lethal injections and buried at Jaya Nagar in Perumbakkam.
Dawn Williams, residential general manager of Blue Cross, Chennai, told The Times Of India that he went to the spot on Friday after receiving calls about the incident from residents. "Initially they were forthcoming and helpful but later backtracked when the police arrived'' he said.
He said the dogs were buried in a mass grave and fresh garbage thrown over it. "The carcass was decomposed and we suspect at least 45 dogs to have been culled and buried there'' Williams said.
Residents had noticed suspicious activity late on Thursday night and in the early hours on Friday and one of them saw the carcass and informed Blue Cross.
"After receiving information we went there on Thursday evening and since there was no proper lighting we returned. However, again on Friday morning, we went to the spot and found carcass of dogs," Williams added.
Members of Blue Cross then decided to approach the police for help and registered a complaint at Pallikaranai police station. A team of policemen accompanied the Blue Cross members and in their presence, the carcasses were exhumed. Due to a large presence of stray dogs, staff of many local bodies in the suburbs choose to kill them. "It is unfortunate that such a large number of dogs were killed. Such practice simply reflects poor awareness on animal welfare," said S Kumar, a resident of Perumbakkam.
Police officials said the cause of deaths is being investigated. Last year, around 75 dogs were killed in Mowlivakkam near Poonamallee. The practice of catching dogs, culling and burying them is a violation of Supreme Court guidelines and punishable under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and also under Indian Penal Code, Williams said.
