A Delhi-based NGO has offered a reward of Rs 50,000 for information regarding the identification, arrest and conviction of people responsible for the killing of 12 puppies in DLF Phase 1, Gurgaon, last week.

The NGO, which works for animal welfare and prevention of cruelty against animals, took suo motu cognizance of the reports regarding the tragic incident, which occurred on March 13.

The Humane Society India (HSI)/India helpline +91 8899117773 has been launched regarding the incident and the NGO said that anyone who had information on the case could call on it.

On March 13, Gurgaon resident Malvika Khatri had approached the DLF Phase 1 police station regarding the disappearance of these puppies, whose decomposed bodies, with their heads smashed, were later found buried in plots nearby.

NG Jayasimha, managing director of HSI/India, said, “We have been raising the issue of stricter punishments for animal abusers time and again, because we are witnessing a rise in such crimes. We hope that this reward will urge anybody with information on this heinous crime to come forward. We must find those who were involved in this ghastly crime and ensure justice is served.”

A case against unidentified persons was registered at the DLF Phase 1 police station on March 15 regarding the brutal deaths, based on a complaint by animal rights activist Amita Singh.

The police said that a post-mortem examination of the pups was conducted and their viscera was now being sent to a forensic laboratory in Madhuban, Karnal, to check for poisoning.

Assistant sub-inspector Prahlad Kumar, who is investigating the case, said that they are questioning people regarding the murders.