Birds reportedly consumed carcass of poisoned dog

H.D. Kote, Aug. 10 (KS)- Five vultures were found dead at Kabini backwaters in Gundre Wildlife Range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve in H.D. Kote yesterday. It is suspected that the vultures had consumed the flesh of a dead dog which had died due to poisoning.

Forest staff, who were patrolling the backwaters in a boat, saw five vultures and a pet dog dead and immediately informed Range Forest Officer (RFO) Amrutesh, who rushed to the spot along with the staff.

After inspecting the spot, the RFO informed Hediyala Sub-Division Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Paramesh. Soon, Veterinarian Dr. Waseem, along with other Forest Officers reached the spot and conducted post-mortem. The Veterinarian and Forest officials have suspected that the dog had died due to poisoning and the dog’s carcass was dumped at Kabini backwaters and the vultures, which feed on dead and decaying animals, may have consumed the flesh of the dead dog and may have died.

Samples of the dead birds and the pet dog were collected and have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory and a Wildlife Offence Report (WLOR) has been registered besides undertaking investigation, said Forest officials.

The carcass of the dead dog and vultures were cremated and a Police complaint will be lodged after receiving the post-mortem report.

N. Begur Gram Panchayat (GP) member Manju, representative of an NGO Rajkumar and Forest Department staff were present.