Panchayat elections that concluded in Telangana last December appear to have carried an invisible death writ for stray dogs. Campaigns promising to “resolve” monkey and stray dog menace proved electorally rewarding, leading a large number of candidates to victory. In Telangana, even urban local bodies struggle with solid waste management and stray dog control. In case of disease outbreaks or threats to human life, the Act merely permits panchayats to “restrain” stray dogs and pigs. Most NGOs invoke the AWBI rules and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as a shield to protect stray dogs.