New shelter for Stray dogs
By Harshini PERERA
Would you ever like to be thrown out of your home just because you
have become disabled or suffering from an illness? Unfortunately, some
animals once reared as darling pets are thrown into the streets
mercilessly. However, Dr. E. K. Thilakarathna's shelter for dogs has
become a haven for stray dogs.
Dr. Thilakarathna being a veterinary surgeon, has a soft corner for
animals, and it is this quality that prompted him to show his kindness
to the poor creatures. It has been his habit to treat stray dogs for
more than one and half years. He joined hands with four other people.
Thulba Razak, Mrs. Narendran, Mrs. Jayakody and Mrs. Nelum Perera who
willingly become members of social service organisations. While they
provided him with finance, he could easily have them cared for.
Many surgical operations, sterilisation programs etc. are being
performed with their financial help. " We have worked together in many
activities and they have been successful. The solution to eradicate
rabies is not merely killing them in numbers but to minimise the
potential of spreading rabies by vaccinating." said Dr. E .K.
Thilakarathna.
"If one peeps into the temporary shelter for dogs what strikes him is
the lack of adequate space for healthy growth. Whether it is an animal
or a human being, once it was treated for a disease, after care is very
important. This is what the owner of the pet fail to ensure. Treatment
should continue without any breakdowns until the animal recovers fully,"
he said. Dr. Thilakarathna and his team, willingly discharge their
duties in the interest of the poor creatures.
Puppies are seen on the road afflicted with rashes or other
disabilities.It is love and care with which the animal lovers begin
their life-long service to dogs and cats, which is done voluntarily.
They are in need of adequate shelter that will facilitate their job,
Thilakarathna said that the land they bought which consists of 20
perches has the necessary space for the job.
It could accommodate 30 dogs and 30 cats but they could only lay the
foundation for the new structure at first lane, Katubedda. Members of
our animal welfare association have contributed Rs. 200, 000 for initial
construction work. "As we are financially tight, we expect contributions
from the public to complete the building," Dr. E.K. Thilakarathna said.
It is our responsibility as dutiful citizen to treat animals as much
as we can and make a better home for them until they leave us.
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