News
Dog owners at wit’s end when companions disappear
A lost dog: Whom do dog owners turn to?
Dog owners who experience the misfortune of their pets being stolen take the search into their own hands, rather than seek the help of the police, who are often indifferent. Besides, the existing punishments are inadequate. But recommendations in the Dog Registration Ordinance may help.
A resident of Rajagiriya, Colombo who lost her pet dog was informed by a three-wheeler driver in the area that he had the animal and he demanded Rs 10,000 for its return. The owner bargained for the return of the Labrador retriever puppy and eventually secured the pet’s release the same day.
“He threatened to sell the dog if the money was not paid,” the owner, Priyanga Ranasinghe, told the Sunday Times. “I was worried to seek police assistance because of the threats, the fact that he admitted stealing the pet and demanded payment. That was enough to intimidate me,” she said.
She paid Rs 5,000 and got the dog back.
Another dog owner, said that her four-year-old Labrador, last seen on their premises in Thalawatugoda, had been stolen on Vesak Poya Day. She insists that the dog had not run away. “Our house is protected by a boundary wall,” she said.
She pasted pictures on lamp posts and also handed some to her neighbours and people known to her. Four days later, she received information from a resident nearby that he had seen a security guard at a neighbouring house walking a dog that appeared to be the one she was looking for.
While she made inquiries, they denied any knowledge of the missing dog. But when pressed later, the security guard escorted them to another premises at which the dog had been held. It was then returned.
She said the police don’t take complaints seriously.
These are just a few of the cases of pet dogs being stolen, sold, or being used for breeding purposes.
Most cases are not reported to the police. Rather, they get posted on Facebook.
A girl sitting for her G.C.E A/L next year, was among those who lost a pet this week. She lost her female dog ‘Kalu’, a year old Dachshund from her residence at Rosmead Place, Colombo 7. The dog was one of two pets she had.
“I posted her pictures on social media, I pasted notices on the walls of houses and requested help. I’m still hoping someone will return my ‘Kalu’ to me,” she said.
Chief Municipal Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Vipula Dharmawardene suggested that owners license their dogs to prove ownership.
Dr. Dharmawardene said the prices of dogs varied depending on the quality of breed. He explained normally large dog breeds are priced between Rs 30,000 and 100,000 while small dog breeds are sold for over Rs. 8,000.
“The dogs which have been used for shows and have won awards can be sold for more than Rs. 100,000 while their pups can be easily sold for Rs. 50,000 each,” he said.
“When a dog is licensed by the municipality it is legally registered. A complainant can prove ownership. In Colombo, dog ownership is confirmed through registration with the municipal council, but it too should improve to a ‘point’ where a microchip is inserted [under the skin].”
Lawyer and animal rights activist, Lalani Perera, said police are duty bound to inquire into a theft. “It is a matter for concern that the police do not usually take offences against animals seriously. They are reluctant even to record a complaint – I have experienced situations where they have done so,” she said.
She recalled an instance when a policeman told her it was a waste of his time considering the fine was only Rs.100 for animal cruelty.
Ms Perera said there are recommendations included in the draft Dog Registration Act. The Local Government Minister Faiszer Mustapha is seeking public input.