Bhubaneswar, Jan. 14 -- In a shocking development that has drawn nationwide criticism, over 500 stray dogs were allegedly killed in Telangana villages in the past week, allegedly to fulfill election promises made by local leaders to eliminate the stray dog menace.

Police have launched multiple investigations and registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against several village sarpanches and other individuals in both Hanamkonda and Kamareddy districts in connection with the mass killing.

According to police and local sources, the killings were carried out by administering poisonous injections to the dogs, a method that activists and authorities say is illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

According to NDTV, the brut...