Mumbai: 20 stray dogs, birds 'poisoned' to death in Titwala

Photo for representational purpose

Around 20 stray dogs, besides crows and poultry birds, died after consuming ‘poisoned' food near the Ganesh Mandir in Titwala on Monday night.

A case against unknown persons has been registered by Kalyan taluka police, based on a complaint by animal rights group Cheersfurever Foundation, stated a report in The Times of India.

"Prima facie, it looks like a case of mass poisoning of dogs. Three dog carcasses have been sent for post-mortem examination," assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Sudhir Kudalkar said.

Activists Chetan Chavan, Swapnil Kamble and Pratika Agarwal said that some of the carcasses were dumped in a swamp near the temple.

"The post-mortem report is awaited, but it is apparent that the dogs were poisoned to death. The birds that fed on the food given to the strays also died," said honorary district animal welfare officer Mitesh Jain.