Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Police Address Viral Dog-Hate Chats At IIT Hyderabad
People online shared messages that they said came from students at IIT Hyderabad.
The messages allegedly talked about hurting or killing dogs living on the campus.
One animal, named Wolfy, had recently died, and a campaigner questioned whether the death was connected.
Other posts made claims about dogs not getting enough food or water.
They also alleged that some dogs were hurt and that people helping them were threatened.
These claims have not been proven yet.
Hyderabad City Police noticed the viral posts and tagged a local police official.
The situation has started a debate about keeping both students and campus dogs safe.
Social media user Susruthi Vempathi shared alleged WhatsApp screenshots involving IIT Hyderabad students discussing harm to campus dogs.
Vempathi linked the controversy to the recent death of a campus dog named Wolfy, which she described as mysterious.
Posts alleged inadequate feeding arrangements, broken water bowls, animal beatings and harassment of students who care for dogs.
Hyderabad City Police responded to Vempathi’s post and tagged SP Sangareddy after the allegations went viral.
The screenshots’ authenticity and the broader allegations have not been independently verified, prompting calls for investigation.
- Who
- IIT Hyderabad students were alleged to be involved; social media user Susruthi Vempathi raised the claims, and Hyderabad City Police responded.
- What
- Alleged WhatsApp discussions about harming or killing campus dogs went viral, alongside claims of animal cruelty and harassment.
- When
- The controversy followed the reported death of Wolfy around two to three days before Vempathi’s post.
- Where
- The allegations concern the 576-acre IIT Hyderabad campus in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The posts prompted concern about animal welfare, campus safety and whether the allegations require formal investigation.
Animal-welfare concerns
Verification and due process
Alleged student discussions
Animal-welfare concerns
Vempathi and other posts alleged that students were creating dog-hating groups and discussing ways to harm or kill campus dogs.
Verification and due process
The screenshots’ authenticity, context and the identity of the participants still need to be verified.
Treatment of campus dogs
Animal-welfare concerns
Posts alleged starvation risks, broken bowls, poisoning discussions and physical abuse of dogs.
Verification and due process
These claims have not been independently established, so conclusions about abuse should await a formal investigation.
Campus management
Animal-welfare concerns
Animal-welfare advocates called on IIT Hyderabad to act and improve arrangements for dogs and people caring for them.
Verification and due process
The controversy also raises the broader challenge of managing stray-dog populations while protecting students and animals.
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
- Campus size
- 576 acres
- Estimated campus dogs
- Around 200
- Designated feeding zones
- Four, according to Vempathi
- Reported animal death
- A campus dog named Wolfy died around two to three days before Vempathi’s post, according to her claim.
- Police response
- Hyderabad City Police responded to the viral post and tagged SP Sangareddy.
- Verification status
- The screenshots’ authenticity and the allegations have not been independently established.