Dogs die of poisoning in Puwakwatte

Animal charity voices concern over area water supply too

The village of Puwakwatta, in Ahangama, in the South has been hit by a wave of malicious poisonings that have left 17 dogs, pets and strays, dead in recent days. An animal charity is now warning that the indiscriminate use of a toxic poison could endanger children and affect the area’s water supply too.

Among the dead animals was a puppy which, despite being taken quickly to a clinic for emergency treatment, had succumbed to the poison. Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a charity organisation working in the area, has notified the police of these incidents.

“The signs were clear to our experienced vets that the pup was poisoned and we have sent samples to Kandy Veterinary Research Institute for analysis,” Kim Cooling, the group’s founder, has written in a letter to Officer-in-Charge of the Ahangama police.

“It seems a large amount of poisoned meat was found in the area with a red powder. Insects that settled on the dead animals have also died. This proves that a toxic poison has been indiscriminately placed in an area with villagers and animals at risk. The water supply could also be affected," the letter said.

The charity had observed two people placing the poison one evening. One was identified but, due to possible intimidation and threats, an eye witness who saw him has withdrawn the complaint, the letter further said.

“We also heard that some villagers were warned to keep their pets chained that night so this looks like a premeditated act of extreme cruelty, endangering the lives of humans and animals alike as well as polluting the village. Our animal sanctuary is in close proximity too. We have over 1000 dogs and 80 cats," Ms. Cooling said.

A police officer at the Ahangama police said they were aware of the cases of poisoning and investigations were underway.