Stray dog capture gang sparks meat trade fears

An organized gang capturing stray dogs in villages around the Moragahakanda reservoir and along the Elahera road has raised serious concerns among local residents, who suspect the animals are being slaughtered for meat.

 

Y.M.S. Bandara (56), a social worker and representative of the Ambana Farmers’ Organization, stated that numerous pet dogs belonging to families displaced by the Moragahakanda reservoir project have gone astray after their owners relocated. Recently, these stray dogs have been systematically captured and taken away by unidentified groups, fueling fears of illegal meat trade, though no conclusive evidence has yet surfaced.

 

According to eyewitness accounts, on Saturday evening (03), several individuals armed with fishing nets and clubs were seen capturing stray dogs along the Moragahakanda road. Bandara added that similar incidents had been reported in the past, particularly from the Naula police area, where canine meat sales allegedly took place prompting fears of a recurrence.

 

He also highlighted the ongoing issue of unchecked poaching of wild animals in nearby forest reserves, with suspicions that dog meat might be mixed with game meat and sold illegally.

 

Residents reported seeing hundreds of stray dogs roaming the area, scavenging through improperly disposed garbage. Several incidents involving the capture of these animals by unknown individuals have been witnessed in recent weeks.

 

The Ambana Farmers’ Organization representative confirmed that steps would be taken to officially inform the relevant authorities and seek intervention regarding the matter.