Kendrapara, Apr 29: A shocking incident of animal cruelty has come to light from Kendrapara district in Odisha, where ten goats were poisoned to death after allegedly consuming crops in a local field. The incident occurred in Rataadia village under Sadar police station limits and has sparked outrage among villagers.

According to reports, four goat farmers had sent their livestock to graze in nearby fields. The goats reportedly entered a vegetable patch where lady finger (bhendi) was being cultivated. Angered by the animals feeding on his crops, a villager allegedly mixed poison in drinking water and offered it to the goats. Soon after consuming the contaminated water, the goats collapsed and died in the field.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with the goats writhing in pain before succumbing, despite desperate attempts by their owners to save them. Farmers said the animals were young and had been purchased through loans, raising concerns about how they would now repay their debts. “We bought these goats with borrowed money. Now all of them are dead. How will we repay the loan?” lamented one of the owners.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with the goats writhing in pain before succumbing, despite desperate attempts by their owners to save them. Farmers said the animals were young and had been purchased through loans, raising concerns about how they would now repay their debts. “We bought these goats with borrowed money. Now all of them are dead. How will we repay the loan?” lamented one of the owners.

The victims include goats owned by families of Rosalin Jena, Janaki Jena, and Jayanti Jena. They alleged that the act was deliberate and intended to punish them for allowing their goats to graze near the crops.

Local residents condemned the incident as “barbaric” and “inhuman,” stressing that such cruelty cannot be justified under any circumstances. “This is beyond cruelty. Killing innocent animals in such a manner is unacceptable,” said one villager.

Police officials confirmed that a complaint has been registered and investigations are underway. Samples are expected to be collected to verify the poisoning claims.

Animal rights activists have also denounced the incident, calling for stronger enforcement of laws against animal cruelty and urging peaceful resolution of disputes between farmers and livestock owners.

The tragedy has highlighted the need for awareness and conflict resolution mechanisms in rural communities, where grazing overlaps with agricultural activity. Villagers are now demanding swift justice and stricter measures to prevent such acts in the future