News
Abandoned animals saved from drowning
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
The caring nature of Sri Lankans was on display again during the floods which affected domestic pets and urban wildlife.
While some people fled to safety with their pets, others abandoned them.
Welfare organisations and some residents, using makeshift boats, tyre tubes, and boats, rescued the abandoned pets, risking nervous reactions from animals in panic.
Some animals had fled to higher ground, while others were stuck in balconies, concrete slabs of partly built houses and buildings.
In some instances, rescuers left food and water for pets that were deemed to be safe in the circumstances.
In Wellampitiya, livestock animals such as goats were rescued and released on higher ground. Even porcupines, as well as other urban wildlife, were saved from floodwaters.
Animal welfare organisation “Baw Baw” founder Gihan Dinuska Jayathilake said a mobile app was introduced for people to notify about animals trapped due to the flood.
About 2,000 animals were saved in the Gothatuwa, Kelaniya, Mulleriyawa and Kaduwela areas using boats. Organisations such as “Minisa” and Sameera Pet Service, too, were involved.
After the flooding receded, Baw Baw provided dog food and medical care for pets in places sheltering the displaced.
Rescuers said pet owners should at least release animals from tethers or kennels if they are unable to care for them in an emergency.
Drowning has been the biggest cause of deaths of abandoned dogs.
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