Patna, March 16 (IANS) Maoist guerrillas continue to kill dogs in rural Bihar, ignoring the appeal of animal rights organisation People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), police said Tuesday.

'We have received reports that Maoists continue to kill dogs at different places across the state. It appears that Maoists have simply ignored PETA's appeal,' a police officer told IANS.

The officer said the dogs were killed because they barked and alerted villagers and security forces of Maoists' movement from one place to another.

'Stray dogs are the best watchdogs for the police. They help alet us,' said another police officer in Gaya district, a Maoist stronghold.

Earlier this month, the Indian chapter of US-based organisation PETA appealed to the Maoist guerrillas in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal not to kill dogs.

In a signed appeal, PETA India senior campaign coordinator Nikunj Sharma said: 'Animals have no part in your battle and should not be made to suffer in the crossfire.'

A few years ago, Maoists in Bihar issued a diktat to the villagers directing them to poison the dogs as they bark when the ultras visit the region, especially at night, alerting the security forces.