Save the strays

By Tharangani Perera

In late 2006, Animal SOS Sri Lanka, an Anglo- Sri Lankan charity was formed by Kim Cooling as a sanctuary for the street dogs of Sri Lanka. “I could not ignore the suffering of the Sri Lankan stray dog, to which contributes the negative attitude of the local community, a distinct lack of animal welfare standards and a deficit in veterinary care for street animals,” Ms. Cooling told The Sunday Times.

Morag Longmuir and Kim Cooling

“There is simply no place for treatment of dreadfully ill, injured and dying animals, no refuge for abandoned pups, kittens and animals needing intensive care or a sanctuary base.”

The charity is currently run with her personal funds and that of fellow trustee Morag Longmuir. Thus far, Ms. Cooling and Ms. Longmuir have rescued 30 Sri Lankan street dogs and taken them back to England, where they have been adopted.

“We need to secure property in Sri Lanka for our charity’s use for years to come,” Ms. Cooling said. Animal SOS hopes to set up clinical facilities including a sterilizing and neutering campaign, routine blood testing with quick diagnosis and treatment of international standard for diseases and full vaccinations for rabies.

They also plan to have volunteer British vets working alongside Sri Lankan vets to train them in modern practices and methods in veterinary care. Ms. Cooling appeals for help of any kind, including financial support to. Volunteers are welcome, especially those with veterinary, welfare or medical backgrounds. For more about Animal SOS, please call Kim Cooling on 077-587-7879, or e-mail her coolingkim@aol.com.