Imprisoned lives
Measures to protect animals are still lagging behind in the country.
Animals and birds are seen in pet shops for sale; some of them continue to face cruelty, and are held in congested, limited spaces, sometimes spending days and nights in cages for weeks, if not for months.
Though some pet shops try to take care of the animals and birds, a majority are seen to have neglected and abused them.
Some of shop keepers have been holding animals and birds for prolonged periods, with the Covid- 19 pandemic also affecting their business.
A long- delayed Animal Welfare Bill has been prepared, but it is yet to be presented in Parliament and implemented.
Animal welfare activists have voiced their concern about the delay in presenting the bill to Parliament.
Pictures of the pet shops captured around Colombo provide a glimpse of the miserable conditions these poor creatures face.