Three Men Detained in Bengaluru Over Alleged Killing of Stray Dog

The incident reportedly involved the dog being hung from a tree and beaten with a thick stick. Footage purportedly capturing the incident circulated on social media, prompting public outrage and renewed concerns over animal cruelty, police said on Friday.

Police identified the accused as Muniyappa, Murali and Puneeth, all residents of Bengaluru.

Police initiated action following a complaint by an animal welfare activist after the video surfaced online. According to the complaint, the three men allegedly assaulted the dog, resulting in its death. The incident reportedly occurred near the school and is said to have been captured by CCTV cameras.

The complainant called for stringent legal action against those responsible, stating that the incident had raised concerns among members of the public.

Police register case under animal cruelty laws

Based on the complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the three accused under Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused have been detained for questioning, and further investigation is underway.

The Bengaluru Police Commissionerate also issued a poster stating that cruelty to animals would not be tolerated. It confirmed that legal action had been initiated in connection with the alleged killing near Greenwood High School.

“Bengaluru City Police has taken cognisance of the incident, and necessary legal action has been initiated,” the poster stated.

Police reiterated their commitment to preventing cruelty to animals and ensuring that complaints of such incidents are investigated.

Previous animal cruelty case in Bengaluru

The latest case has brought renewed attention to an earlier incident in the city involving the alleged killing of stray dogs.

In February 2022, a 23-year-old man, identified as Adi Narayana, was arrested by Siddapura Police after allegedly driving his luxury car over stray dogs resting on a footpath in Jayanagar.

According to reports at the time, the incident occurred on the evening of January 26, 2022, on 10th ‘B’ Main Road in Jayanagar’s First Block. Animal rights activists brought the matter to the police’s attention, and a former corporator filed a complaint on January 29.

After examining CCTV footage, police arrested the accused and booked him under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 428 of the Indian Penal Code, which dealt with mischief involving the killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless of animals.

The investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing, with police examining the allegations against the three detained men.