Stray dogs to be removed from Anuradhapura ahead of Modi’s visit: Veterinarians

Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for an official three-day visit during the first week of April

The Municipal Veterinary Department was advised to proceed with the programme immediately

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association yesterday claimed that the Governor’s Office of Anuradhapura had decided to remove all stray dogs from the Anuradhapura city limits in view of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for an official three-day visit during the first week of April. He is also expected to visit Anuradhapura to pay homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and participate in the opening of projects sponsored by the Indian Government under the Sri Lanka Railways Department.  

The association’s advisor, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, told the Daily Mirror that the decision was made following a joint discussion with the Anuradhapura Governor’s Office and the Municipal Council Commissioner. The Anuradhapura Municipal Council is now attempting to implement the decision.
The Municipal Veterinary Department was advised to proceed with the programme immediately. Dr. Nanayakkara said that a five-year working project is currently in progress in Anuradhapura with the support of the Municipal Council and more than 90 per cent of the stray dogs have been vaccinated and sterilized. Following the progress of the project, no incidents related to rabies have been reported in Anuradhapura. He also claimed that all stray dogs within the Anuradhapura city limits have been ordered to be removed.
When contacted, the Anuradhapura Municipal Council Commissioner confirmed that a discussion had recently been held regarding arrangements for the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “During the meeting, we discussed the issue of stray dogs and cattle roaming on the roads. It was decided to alert owners of dogs and cattle not to release their animals for two days until the Indian Prime Minister leaves Anuradhapura town,” he said.