Deer deaths at Puthur zoo due to ‘capture myopathy’ triggered by stray dog attack

The deaths of ten deer at the Puthur Zoological Park were caused by capture myopathy, a fatal stress-induced condition triggered by panic after stray dogs entered the deer enclosure and attacked them, Arun Zacharia, Chief Forest Veterinary Officer, has said.

He explained that the animals died not from direct injuries inflicted by dogs but from extreme fear and exhaustion. “The postmortem examination revealed that the deer succumbed to shock and stress after colliding with the enclosure walls while attempting to escape. Some had head injuries and fractured ribs, and there were bite marks, but the real cause was capture myopathy death due to acute stress,” Dr. Zacharia said.

He said the stray dogs may have gained entry through small gaps in the boundary fence, which must be identified and sealed to prevent a recurrence.

Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran had ordered an inquiry into the incident. A three-member panel comprising the Chief Wildlife Warden, Chief Forest Veterinary Officer, and a senior forest Vigilance officer had been formed to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has also sought an explanation. Member Secretary Sanjay Kumar Shukla has directed an inquiry into the incident, assigning T. Ajay Kumar, Evaluation and Monitoring Assistant, to conduct the investigation and file a report.