FR against brutal killing of dogs: SC fixes for support on 24 July

By S.S.Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court yesterday (19 February) fixed for support on July 24 for granting leave to proceed with the fundamental rights petition filed by Buddhist clergy and laypersons, complaining of despicable cruel killings of dogs and cats in various part of the country.

The Bench comprised Justices Eva Wanasundera, Priyantha Jayawardane and L. T. B. Dehideniya.

Petitioners are Ven. Theros Ananda, Wewala Seelarathna, Liyawela Sasanarathan, Wekandawela Rahula, Sooriyawewa Ananda, Wattehena Vijitha, Andarawawe Kassapa, Kirama Saddharanda, Getamanne Sashanarthana, Angunukulapallesse Deepananda, Wekandawela Padmasiri, Mirrisse Dhammawansha, Beddedwewa Premasiri and Sagarika Rajakarunanayake as well as Animal Protection Trust Chairperson Lorraine Bibile, its Secretary Sharminie Ratnayake and Iraki Lankika Koddituwakku. Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC with Charita Rupesinghe appeared for the Petitioners. Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.

They cited IGP Pujith Jayasundara, Provincial Councils & Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Colombo Municipal Council, Secretaries of the Provinces, Ultrakill Ltd, Rakna Araksha Lanka Ltd, Moratuwa University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Jayawardena, Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya and others as Respondents. Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.

 The grievous complaint of the petitioners is that there is presently on-going, virtually mass scale killing of dogs and cats causing wanton and intolerable, inhumane, cruel, and torturous pain and suffering to innocent and voiceless animals.

 Petitioners seek the intervention of the Supreme Court in the interests of all humaneness, and state that Sri Lanka is a majority Buddhist country which includes a constitutional guarantee of Buddhism being given the foremost place, the term ahimsa.

They states that according to Buddhism, every living being has the right to life and the right to live without suffering at the hands of another.

They state the dogs and cats within the premises of Moratuwa University as well as Sri Jayawardenepura were killed by the illegal administration of a toxic drug known as ketamine.

 They state that animals had been brutally killed at Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, Monaragala hospital and other several places.

 Petitioners are seeking the Court for punitive compensation against the Respondents and their agent.