News
Pet-nappers invade Nuwara Eliya
View(s):A string of incidents where holidaymakers visiting Nuwara Eliya had surreptitiously taken away pets owned by families who rented out their premises, have been reported in the recent months.
One of the pet dogs which disappeared recently
According to residents, some lodgers who had rented out rooms for a couple of days, had left with expensive dogs and cats. They said this happened particularly at houses which provide accommodation as a part-time business.
According to home-owners it was the more furry pets which were targeted by animal nappers, because their thick growth of fur made them more attractive.
The victim home-owners added however, the thick growth of fur on these animals was the body’s means of keeping the animals warm in the cold climate. They warned that in areas where the climate was warmer, the excess fur would tend to drop off.
“We fear stolen pets would find it difficult to adapt to different climatic conditions’, a resident who lost a pet lamented.
He added, ‘most of the people who lost pets do not lodge complaints with the police as tracing the animal was a near impossible task. He emphasised, visitors should refrain from snatching animals from their homes or from the roadside as it was traumatic to the animals who lose their owners.
Pix and text by Shelton Hettiaarachchi