A spotted deer died after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Madhavaram in Chennai on Wednesday, with police investigating whether the animal had strayed into the locality or escaped from an illegal wildlife transport operation.

Police said the deer entered the KVT truck parking yard near the 200-Foot Road in Madhavaram, where it was chased and attacked by stray dogs. Residents informed the Madhavaram police.

A team from the Forest Department, assisted by veterinarians from the Department of Wildlife Science at Madras Veterinary College, Vepery, recovered the carcass and sent it for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

A senior police officer said they are working to establish how the deer reached the area. They are examining whether it had wandered from a nearby forest or escaped while being transported illegally as part of a wildlife smuggling network.

Madhavaram police and Forest Department officials are continuing the investigation.

Published - July 24, 2026 12:44 am IST