Ranchi, April 09: A man in Ranchi shot a stray dog dead in the middle of a road using his licensed rifle, police said on Tuesday, after a video of the shooting went viral and triggered public outrage.
The incident occurred in the presence of vehicular traffic and was captured on camera, showing the accused approaching a group of stray dogs with two other men before firing at one of the animals. The dog died on the spot.
Police said the man has been arrested. Killing or harming a dog is a cognisable offence under Indian law, punishable with up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
“The stray had gone mad and had bitten several people in recent days,” a local resident said.
Authorities said they are investigating whether the firearm used in the incident was legally licensed.
