stray dogs
Stray dogsReuters

Four people have been arrested for allegedly encouraging and killing stray dogs in Ernakulam district in Kerala following a complaint by T K Sajeev of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty against Animals.

Social activist Jose Maveli, 65, the founder and the chairman of Janaseva Sisubhavan, OM Joy and Ranjan were detained near Perumbavoor by the Kuruppampady Police for leading an outfit called the 'Stray Dogs Eradication Group' on Monday. 

MJ Shaji, a 43-year-old autorickshaw driver, was also arrested for culling almost 130 dogs by giving them poisoned meat. He had later buried the dogs in nearby areas in Muvattupuzha.

They were taken into custody under sections 428 and 429 of the IPC and section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but were let out on bail in the evening. 

Following the demand by the Society of Prevention of Cruelty against Animals, post-mortem was performed by veterinary surgeons after digging up the carcasses.

In an interview to a news channel, Maveli has claimed that their outfit offers Rs 500 for killing each dog.