Struggling Against Animal Abuse

Animal abuse is rampant in our Island Nation. One wonders when and where the compassion, loving-kindness and sympathy towards the voiceless vanished, as tragic incidents occur daily. This is a never-ending battle for the limited Associations and few ardent animal activists who have dedicated their lives solely towards this humane cause. Apart from accidents caused by reckless, hardhearted motorists; evil public unleash their fury by stoning, stabbing, poisoning and harming the voiceless who are unable to defend themselves.

It is conveniently forgotten that animals are part of this land and are entitled to share it. We hear traumatic stories of owners abandoning their pedigreed dogs who can no longer produce a healthy litter for sale. On the other hand, owners who find it a hassel to handle abandon their stray pet dogs and cats with a new-born litter. So this is a never-ending vicious cycle. Below are a few tragic incidents which need to be highlighted.

For several years at intervals, puppies and adult dogs had taken refuge in a garden of a particular school in Kalutara without causing any disturbance or hindrance. Two notable animal lovers Dharani Sivam and Jesmin Junkeer living in the area taking the responsibility upon themselves tendered to the needs of these animals from daily feeding to treatment, vaccinating and sterilizing and finally rehoming the animals with the total approval of the then school Principal who maintained a cordial rapport with them. This hazardous task was accomplished using their personal funds and any random donations that flowed in. This smooth transition could only be carried out with sheer dedication and utmost commitment.