UNTOLD CRUELTY ON THE VOICELESS
Even though we celebrated 73 years of independence, the voiceless still have no freedom to remain in peace as animal abuse is rampant in the island nation.the District of Kalutara needs to be in the spotlight as tragic incidents occur daily, making one wonder when and how compassion and loving kindness towards fellow creatures disappeared. This is a never ending battle for the limited Associations and few ardent animal activists who have dedicated their lives solely towards this humane cause.
Listed below are alleged incidents which will shake the nation. Around 4 months ago a heinous crime took place around midnight at the riverside bordering Wettemaheda Junction-cooray Road in close proximity to the Kani Lanka Hotel, when 15 community dogs with limbs tightly bound were drowned in the Kalu Ganga after repeated torture. There are many eye witnesses but fear seem to prevent them from coming forward to testify about this alleged incident publicly.
Then in a school in Kalutara some parents displayed their hatred on the voiceless in the presence of two notable animal lovers of the area, Dharani Sivam and Jesmin Junkeer, who are responsible for the daily feeding, medication and overall wellbeing of street dogs in the vicinity. This task is accomplished using their personal funds and any random donations that flow in. One healthy male pup succumbed to his injuries as a result of repeated torment and abuse.
One shudders at the most recent incident which took place in Maggona where two heavily pregnant mothers were found poisoned. The team from “Save a Paw” exhumed the carcasses and a prominent vet in the area carried out the post mortem in the presence of Jesmin Junkeer a notable animal activist of the area. Now there are repeated threats from the residents to get rid of all remaining dogs.
Jesmin Junkeer has opened out her home to over 25 strays whom she feeds daily, apart from the road feeding programme. Ms. Sivam while balancing a full time office job, manages the road feeding on her way to work and on weekends. Any accident victims and tragic cases are taken over by these courageous ladies who are responsible for the medication and vet bills. After complete healing all attempts are taken to ensure rehoming. However, it hasn’t always been easy. They also coordinate sterilisation, neuter and spay programmes conducted by many organisations.
Ms. Sivam and Ms. Junkeer are now running very low on funds, which compels them to make a desperate plea for public support to continue their humane task. They stress that sterilisation is the key to control the ever growing stray population. They appeal to all Animal Welfare Groups, Activists and Supporters to unite and address this ongoing problem. They are contactable on dharanishivam@gmail.com
As a nation we need to open our eyes to the magnitude of suffering around us.
Only when the Animal Welfare Bill is legally passed, could peace be restored, as the guilty will be brought to task.