Panic spread in Asansol, West Bengal, after several stray dogs were found poisoned to death in the Hirapur Police Station area. Locals discovered the carcasses of the animals lying on the roadside, raising concerns about the safety of other stray dogs in the area.

According to animal lovers, the dogs were fed food laced with poison during the night. While some bodies have been recovered, many dogs are still missing, sources said. Locals allege that the killings may have been carried out as an act of revenge after the dogs reportedly hunted chickens belonging to a resident in the area.

In response to the incident, a complaint has been lodged with the police, and a case has been registered. Authorities have arrested one person in connection with the poisoning, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances and identify any other involved parties.

This incident comes shortly after the Supreme Court revised its earlier order regarding stray dogs in the country. On August 22, the court ruled that sterilised dogs should be returned to their original territories after vaccination and sterilisation. Only dogs that are rabid or display aggressive behaviour are to be kept in shelters or pounds. The court also imposed a nationwide ban on feeding stray dogs on streets, aiming to regulate their movement and prevent public nuisance.

Under the new guidelines, dogs will continue to be captured for sterilisation and vaccination, but most will be returned to their original areas. Only those confirmed or suspected to have rabies, or those showing aggressive behaviour, will remain confined in segregated shelters. 

The court’s decision is part of a larger effort to balance animal welfare with public safety, ensuring that stray dogs are protected while reducing risks to communities. The Asansol incident shows ongoing tensions between residents and stray dog populations. Authorities and animal welfare groups are urging caution and stressing the importance of humane treatment of animals, even in cases of nuisance or property damage.