Police yesterday nabbed one suspect in connection with the killing of a dog by setting it on fire while it was in a kennel at a house in Koppara Junction, Negombo.
The 38-year-old suspect was arrested by the Negombo Police in Periyamulla and produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s court.
The shocking incident of animal cruelty had occurred on the night of December 31. According to sources, a trespasser had poured kerosene on the two-year-old pet Labrador named Charlie and set it on fire. Despite the efforts of the pet owner and several animal rights activists, the dog succumbed to its injuries, 24 hours later.
As the incident drew outrage on social media, the Police intensified the hunt to nab the perpetrator leading to the arrest.
Animal rights activists held a protest in front of Temple Trees yesterday demanding that a new Animal Welfare Bill be presented in Parliament to implement harsher punishment for acts of animal cruelty and repeal the archaic laws relating to animal welfare dating back to 1907. The group also demanded that legal proceedings against the suspects be expedited.
Posting on social media site Twitter, Minister of Youth Affairs, Ports and Southern Development, Sagala Ratnayaka expressed his support to their efforts while condemning the horrific attack on Charlie the Labrador. The Minister also assured the public he would do everything in his power to ensure to enact the Animal Welfare Bill.