Against the decision to remove street dogs from Colombo as part of these security measures, animal rights organizations held a protest in front of the Indian High Commission in Colombo yesterday (April 3). The protest video circulated widely on social media. Factseeker investigated whether the government had made a decision to remove street dogs in Colombo due to the visit of the Indian Prime Minister.

The video of the protest can be found here – https://youtu.be/wiELQrRjOLk

In the investigation, Factseeker did not find any mainstream media reports confirming this decision. However, the protest organized by animal rights groups against animal cruelty was reported by the media.

Many social media users expressed their concern, mentioning that while the removal of street dogs may be socially beneficial, killing them in the process would be wrong. Furthermore, those involved in the protest also highlighted that the decision to remove street dogs due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was extremely harsh and unnecessary.

When Factseeker inquired about this matter with Gihan Dinushka, a committee member of the Animal Welfare Council, he stated that following the release of a video showing street dogs being removed from the Free Square area, the Colombo Municipal Council had initiated an inquiry into the matter. He confirmed that the dogs had been captured and taken away.

To clarify whether the government had decided to remove street dogs because of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, FactSeeker inquired with the Colombo Municipal Council. There, Colombo Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara mentioned that the removal of street dogs has been an ongoing practice whenever any state leader visits Sri Lanka. He further explained that it is legally justified to remove street dogs, especially those unvaccinated, to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

The Commissioner further added that as the welcoming ceremony for the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to take place at the Free Square, measures were taken to remove the street dogs around that area.

Therefore, the investigation by FactSeeker confirmed that the reports about the government deciding to remove street dogs are true. Furthermore, it was clarified that this action is being taken in preparation for the visit of the Indian Prime Minister and for public safety, as has been done in the past when other state dignitaries visited the country.