Five stray puppies were found dead in Ramdhan Khan Lane near Sovabazar in north Kolkata on Wednesday morning, prompting an animal lover to lodge a complaint of cruelty against animals with police.
The bodies have been preserved for post-mortem.
Animal lover Ayushi Dey, who is attached with an NGO, said she received information about the death of five puppies. On reaching the spot, she said she found a sixth puppy gasping for breath.
Dey reported the matter to Jorasanko police following which an FIR was drawn up against unknown persons on charges of maiming and cruelty towards animals.
Damayanti Sen, attached with the same NGO, said: “It is clear someone poisoned them. We have told cops about the person we suspect. He was seen with the puppies last night.”
Cops said they had detained a person for examination.
According to allegations, the suspect was seen beating the puppies and feeding them something on Tuesday night.
“We are verifying the claims. No one has been arrested till now,” said an officer on Wednesday evening.