New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- Poll promise behind death of 'four-paws'? Telangana has been grappling with a chilling wave of alleged stray dog killings that has left about 500 canines dead within a week, triggering police investigations into the matter.

Sources from villages said some elected representatives, including sarpanches, allegedly carried out the killings to "fulfill promises made to villagers" during the recent gram panchayat elections to tackle the stray dog menace, reported news wire PTI.

The latest incident of stray dog killings was reported from Telangana's Kamareddy district, where 200 dogs were allegedly culled - taking the toll to about 500, as per police officials.

Animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham, in a complaint f...