I understand that the Kandy Municipal Council Veterinary Surgeon has issued a directive forbidding ‘SOFA’ (Save our Friends – Animals) from conducting sterilization and anti-rabies clinics for animals in the Kandy town and suburbs. According to him, Kandy town and suburbs are reserved solely for the Municipal authorities to conduct such clinics. I cannot see how the Municipal authorities could forbid any registered animal welfare organisation from conducting such clinics in any part of the island. It should be noted that it is prevailing government policy to foster animal welfare and permit the conduct of such clinics. Animal sterilization and control of rabies is a humane method of controlling the spread of rabies. It is indeed to the credit of the present President that animal welfare has been recognised and given a due place. Previously, stray dogs were killed in the most cruel manner.

A clinic conducting sterilization and administering anti-rabies injections was conducted by the Kandy Municipal authorities on 18-3-09 in Kandy town. By midnight a number of stray dogs were found dead in the streets of Kandy. On 19-03-09 morning a female dog was found with its neck slashed – we had to take the animal to the University Veterinary Hospital where the necessary surgery was carried out. A number of people have informed us that their dogs are missing – either they have been killed or dumped elsewhere. I feel the Police should intervene now, as cruelty to animals is against the policies of the present government.