Bengaluru Caretaker Arrested After Allegedly Killing Dog Over Bark, Stealing from Employer
A 29-year-old caretaker in Bengaluru, India, has been arrested and charged with teh murder of a four-year-old chihuahua named ‘Goofy‘ and theft from her employer, following evidence revealed by CCTV footage. The incident, which occurred on October 31st, highlights a disturbing case of animal cruelty and alleged betrayal of trust.
Pushpalatha, the caretaker, was hired approximately one month prior to the incident by 23-year-old MBA student rashika KR, to care for two Mexican-breed dogs, including Goofy. Her compensation included a monthly salary of Rs 22,000, along with accommodation and food.
According to police reports, on the day of the incident, Pushpalatha took Goofy and the other dog for a walk while Rashika was at home. While in the apartment building’s lift, Goofy reportedly barked at Pushpalatha. This seemingly innocuous act triggered a violent response.
CCTV footage obtained by authorities shows Pushpalatha “furiously pulling the dog, threatening him, lifting him by the belt and smashing him on the lift floor,” police stated.The dog died instantly from the impact.
initially,Pushpalatha allegedly fabricated a story,claiming that Goofy had collapsed and died after the lift door opened. However, the CCTV footage quickly exposed her deception, leading to her arrest.
Beyond the animal cruelty charges, Pushpalatha is also accused of stealing a gold chain and two rings belonging to her employer, Rashika KR. The motive for the theft remains under examination.
Authorities have indicated that Goofy’s body will be exhumed on Tuesday for a postmortem examination to further document the extent of the injuries and confirm the cause of death.
This case has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates in Bengaluru and beyond,prompting calls for stricter penalties for animal abuse. The investigation is ongoing, and Pushpalatha remains in custody as she awaits trial.
