At least four men allegedly burned five puppies to death on Friday night after being disturbed by their cries during the cold spell in the Hatpukur area under Jagacha police station, triggering widespread outrage among residents and animal lovers.
Police officials said the puppies and their mother had been whimpering for several days due to the cold. Annoyed residents from a nearby apartment complex allegedly poured petrol taken from their vehicles and set the puppies on fire. The mother dog sustained injuries in the blaze.
On Saturday afternoon, animal lovers and local residents staged a protest demanding strict punishment for those responsible. Representatives of animal welfare and social service organisations reached the spot in the morning. Subhasish Paul and his wife Swapna Paul, founders of the organisation Mamatamoyee Maa, brought the incident to public attention and took charge of the injured mother dog’s treatment. Several animal welfare groups later lodged complaints with the police.
The charred remains of the puppies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Local resident Debashish Mondal alleged that stray animals in the area were often targeted by residents of the complex.
Expressing shock, local legislator and minister Arup Roy directed police to swiftly identify and punish those involved.
Calling the act deeply inhumane, Subhasish Paul said such cruelty had no place in a civilised society, adding that his organisation regularly feeds and provides medical care to stray animals and distributes blankets during winter.
Police at Jagacha have launched an investigation. CCTV footage has reportedly identified those involved, and efforts are under way to trace the accused, who remain at large.
