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Two lorries seized for illegally transporting donkeys, residents concerned animals being skinned
By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Colombo, Feb 26 (Daily Mirror) - Norochcholai Police foiled an attempt to transport donkeys to other areas, by seizing two lorries carrying six donkeys and arresting the drivers during a raid in the Narakkalliya area yesterday.
The suspects, residents of Kandakuliya, did not possess a permit for transporting donkeys, and the purpose of the transport remains unclear. A senior police officer stated that a permit issued by the Divisional Secretary is required to move donkeys outside the area.
Residents noted that Puttalam was once the primary habitat of donkeys, but the population has since spread to Kalpitiya and its surroundings. They expressed concern over the possible extinction of donkeys due to the lack of wildlife regulations for their protection.
An official from the Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat said that permits are sometimes issued to transport donkeys to protect coconut plantations from beetle infestations, but such permits are subject to strict conditions. He also mentioned that requests from Gypsies to own donkeys are considered.
However, residents alleged that organised groups misuse these permits under the pretext of protecting coconut cultivation. They claimed that the slaughter of donkeys for flesh has been going on for a long time, unchecked by authorities. They also pointed out that donkeys in Puttalam are a tourist attraction.
Norochcholai Police conducted the raid based on information received from the Kalpitiya ASP.
During questioning, the suspects claimed they were transporting the donkeys to a coconut estate in Badalgama.
The raid was carried out by a police team led by Norochcholai Police OIC, IP S. Dharmakumara.
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