Pet and Street dogs poisoned in Hyderabad

Our dog died on July 16th. Killed rather, with poison. The grief of losing a pet is difficult to cope with, even more so when you know it would've been alive. She was only 7 years old - half of what the life expectancy of labradors is.

The incident involves a couple of street dogs and how they were becoming a nuisance to the area, apparently. Six month old puppies tearing open trash bags that were left outside to get picked up in the morning. Puppies playing about in a rice field nearby - splashing into the puddles that form after irrigation.

The farmer (landlord really - who sold off half of his field and converted it into a residential area) was the most concerned about the 'destruction of his crops'.  

There have been instances where he was caught holding the pups by their tails and thrashing them with sticks. My folks and a few others intervened and said he should call the Municipality and let them do their part. That didn't deter him whatsoever.

About a week ago, he decided to take things further and put some poisoned food( or sprayed poison on the grass - this is not clear, and just our speculation) in his fields as bait. He didn't notify anybody of this except this one house asking them not to let their dogs come into the field. (So we have proof, if we were to complain)

The unsuspecting street dogs went about their usual day and died close to the field.

Our dog went on her usual morning walk sniffing grass (We're not entirely sure but she must've eaten something)

After the morning walk, at about 7:30 am she started acting strange, running around in circles. Sitting in a corner in the yard. Confused about what is happening to her. Our vet didn't answer our calls - was probably too early - so we set out to the nearest vet's house.

But it was too late. She died in 45 mins.   

The next day, two other pets in the neighbourhood died in the exact same way as our dog. So in total, we have 6 dogs that died. (3 pets and 3 strays) Imagine if it were little kids playing outside that had died. Since it is just 'animals' nobody is that concerned.

We sent out circulars in our society making them aware of poison probably being around in the colony. So there is awareness, there is concern. But probably not enough support to act against the person responsible since he is a bigshot. If they were to vote, more than half of the colony would support him since he has the money and everyone would rather be in his good books.

There are 2-3 people who support us reporting this to the police, but what is the most that can happen?

Since we don't have substantial proof, the case will be dismissed. Also since this is a rich guy, he has the police in his pocket - and possibly my family would have to pay the price of his wrath.

I mean yeah India is changing and all. But seriously, is it? There is no value associated with life. The poor have nowhere to go. The animals? Haha, who cares?

Education could help with that hopefully.

Opening this up to everybody -

--The immediate concern being our pet - Do we have a case?* What is the punishment for animal cruelty? Does anybody have contact information and reach to a larger organization that can help?

--In the long run:

What can we as a society change and make India animal/environmental friendly?

Things that I could think of:

1. A 24 hour medical helpline for pets.
2. The Supreme Court of India has a law for street dogs - the street is their home and they have every right to be on it as much as we do. All you can do is neuter them and treat them for rabies. There needs to be more awareness about this.
3. We need to have better trash management. Separate out recyclables. Have trash bins on every other street.

Appreciate you taking the time to read this. Every small step counts. Please reach out to me with suggestions and the legal rules in our favour.

*I know we have a case,

11c under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but we don't have evidence.
Reference:

http://bamu.ac.in/dept/zoology/1.%20Prevention%20of%20cruelty%20to%20animals%20act.%201960.pdf