An FIR has been registered in Kolkata’s Newtown area after ten street dogs were allegedly poisoned, leaving one dead and eight in critical condition, while one remains missing. The incident took place in front of a residential complex near Eco Space in Action Area 3 and came to light on Friday morning when several dogs were found lying on the roadside in distress.

Local residents and animal welfare volunteers rushed to the spot after spotting six of the dogs screaming in pain. The animals were taken to the Salt Lake veterinary hospital for emergency treatment, but due to the hospital’s lack of long-term care facilities, they were discharged after being stabilised. However, one dog died during treatment, and another has not been found. Later in the day, more dogs in the area began showing signs of poisoning, bringing the total affected to ten, according to the complainant.

Maitreyee Pathak, a long-time animal welfare volunteer, filed a written complaint at Techno City police station. Based on her complaint, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate registered a case under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Police said that CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify those responsible for the poisoning.

Pathak, who has been part of a group that regularly feeds and cares for stray dogs in the neighbourhood, said the group has often faced opposition from some residents.

“We have been taking care of street dogs for a long time, but there are people who oppose us. While I suspect that some of them could be involved, I can’t comment further while the investigation is on,” she told India Today.

The body of the deceased dog has been sent to the Belgachia veterinary hospital for a postmortem, which is scheduled for Monday. Police sources said the findings will help confirm the cause of death and may provide further leads in the case.

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