Reports of several dogs being killed by local groups have emerged from Kerala as people in many places have started taking matters into their hands.
Four persons were arrested for allegedly inciting the killing of stray dogs in Kerala's Ernakulam district.
Jose Mavely, 65, and OM Joy, who have been let out on bail, lead a recently-formed outfit that called itself the 'Stray Dogs Eradication Group'.
MJ Shaji, a 43-year-old autorickshaw driver, who was arrested last night, told NDTV that he killed 130 dogs by feeding them poisoned meat. He also took the police team to various places in Muvathapuzha area where he had buried the dogs .
Details about the fourth accused are not known yet. However, he is reportedly associated with Jose Mavely.
Jose Mavely had told NDTV last week that he paid for the killing of 11 stray dogs in 48 hours.
"We've offered Rs 500 per dog for every killer. We currently have the funds to ensure 1,000 dogs can be killed. There are many people who are killing dogs and submitting the proofs to us," Mr Maveli said.
Ernakulam Rural SP Yatish Chandra told NDTV that the two have been warned of preventive detention before being let off on bail.
"They have been arrested under section 428 and 429 of IPC and section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - against the killing of animals. The case will proceed based on evidences. Their claim that they have collected 200 dogs together to be killed before October 2 are purely rumours."
Reports of several dogs being killed by local groups have emerged from Kerala as people in many places have started taking matters into their hands amid over 1,60,000 dog bites in the last one year.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had chaired a cabinet meeting earlier this month to discuss problems faced by people in parts of the state due to stray dog attacks.
"I am of the opinion that human life is more important," he said when asked about protests over taking stern steps to check the menace.
Mr Chandy said animal birth control, vaccination and providing treatment to dog bite victims were also part of programmes to tackle the issue.