Six puppies were found dead and three were critically ill inside a residential complex in Vartak Nagar, Thane West, on February 24, with residents suspecting they were poisoned by an unidentified individual. Police have registered an FIR against an unknown person.
A complaint was submitted to the senior inspector of Vartak Nagar Police Station by Advocate Sunita Banis on behalf of resident Anil D’Souza. It sought action under Sections 11 and 12 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
According to the complaint, the Laxminarayan Residency federation had designated a feeding zone where community dogs were regularly given packaged food. The dogs, described as calm and friendly, had lived in the area for several years. Around three months ago, a female dog gave birth to nine puppies, who were being cared for by residents.
On the evening of February 24, the federation secretary was alerted by Kishan Gaikwad, a security guard at nearby Viraj Towers, who noticed the puppies behaving unusually. They appeared disoriented and distressed. Residents searching the premises found several puppies lying motionless under parked vehicles and in different corners of the compound.
D’Souza said he had fed the puppies on the night of February 23 and they appeared healthy. The next day, residents were informed that an unidentified person wearing a cap and mask had fed them. Soon after, two puppies were found dead and the others unwell.
Six of the nine puppies were declared dead, while the remaining three were in critical condition and required immediate veterinary care. The dead animals were buried within the society premises.
Residents suspect foul play, noting that a masked individual had been seen feeding the puppies shortly before they fell ill. They added that adult stray dogs typically do not accept food from strangers, raising concerns that the puppies were deliberately targeted.
The complaint urges police to examine CCTV footage from Laxminarayan Residency, Viraj Towers and surrounding areas, seize any suspicious food for forensic analysis, and record statements from key witnesses, including the security guard and society office-bearers.
Residents have also sought coordination with the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Animal Welfare Department and NGOs to ensure treatment for the surviving puppies and protection of other community dogs.