Animal rights activists seek representation in ministerial committee

Those who petitioned against the brutal killing of animals pleaded the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday that at least one of them be included in the ministerial committee on the welfare of stray dogs.

The fundamental rights petition filed by the Buddhist clergy and laypersons, against the ‘despicable act of cruelty’ in killing stray dogs and cats, came up before court for granting leave to proceed.

Appearing for the petitioners, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena mentioned of adopting the CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release) method for strays without killing them. He said this technique was approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and had been adopted by several Asian and Western countries.

The bench comprising justices Eva Wanasundera, Nalin Perera and Prasanna S. Jayawardena fixed the matter to be mentioned on August 2.

The petitioners are Ven. Ananda Thera, Ven. Wewala Seelaratane

Stray dogs and cats around Moratuwa and Sri Jayewardenepura Universities have been killed by the illegal administration of a toxic drug known as ‘Ketamine’

Thera, Ven. Liyawela Sasanarathana Thera, Ven. Wekandawela Rahula Thera, Ven. Sooriyawewa Ananda Thera, Ven. Wattehena Vijitha Thera, Ven. Andarawawe Kassapa Thera, Ven. Kirama Saddhananda Thera, Ven. Getamanne Sashanarathana Thera, Ven. Agunukolapelessa Deepananda Thera, Ven. Wekandawela Padmasiri Thera, Ven. Mirisse Dhammawansa Thera, Ven. Beddewewa Premasiri Thera, Ven. Sagarika Rajakarunanayake Thera, Animal Protection Trust Chairperson Lorraine Bibile, Secretary Sharminie Ratnayake and Iraki Lankika Kodituwakku.

Sanjeewa Jayawardena PC with Charita Rupasinghe appeared for the petitioners, while Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.

Petitioners cited the IGP, Provincial Councils Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, the Colombo Municipal Council, the Provincial Secretaries, Ultrakill (Pvt) Limited, Rakna Araksha Lanka Limited, former Moratuwa University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Jayawardena, the Attorney General and others as respondents. The petitioners seek the intervention of the Supreme Court in the interest of all humaneness. They said according to Buddhism, every living being had the right to life and the right to live without suffering.

“Stray dogs and cats around Moratuwa and Sri Jayewardenepura Universities have been killed by the illegal administration of a toxic drug known as ‘Ketamine.’ Innocent animals have been brutally killed at the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, the Moneragala Hospital and other several places,” they said.

Petitioners seek the court for punitive compensation against the respondents and their agent.