Buddha Jayanthi brings mercy for dogs
[May 4, 2006 - 10.30 GMT]

The seizing and killing of dogs by local authorities will not take during the period of the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Municipal Commissioner, Colombo, to immediately stop the seizing and killing of dogs carried out by the Colombo Municipal Council, in view of the current Buddha Jayanthi celebrations, marking 2550 years of Buddhism.

The President has also instructed that instead of killing dogs they should be vaccinated against rabies and necessary modern, scientific and humane methods initiated to control the increase in dog population.

This order by the President will also apply to Kandy and all other local authorities that carry out seizing and killing of dogs.

This decision was taken by the President following representations made to him by members of the Maha Sangha and animal rights activists.

It is in keeping with the policy on treatment of animals in the Mahinda Chintana, which states: “I consider cruelty to animals a disgrace on humanity. I therefore propose to amend, without delay, the outdated laws on prevention of cruelty to animals”.  

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Last Updated Date: May  04, 2006 -10.30 GMT