Prevent Animals from Dying under Outdated Laws
In Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, a visually impaired elephant was searching for food near homes when three men allegedly chased him with flaming torches.
One of the men allegedly set fire to his body.
The elephant suffered severe burns.
Veterinarians tried to save him, but he died from his injuries.
His death is a painful reminder of how badly Sri Lanka needs stronger laws against animal cruelty.
Sri Lanka’s main animal cruelty law was written over a century ago.
Under its general cruelty offense, the maximum fine is only 100 Sri Lankan rupees, which is under $1.
More than a century later, animals are still left under this outdated law.
Now Sri Lanka has a chance to replace this weak law with a new bill that would give animals far greater protection from cruelty.
The bill would make beating, kicking, torturing, poisoning, abandoning, and deliberately denying an animal food, water, or shelter punishable by law.
Cruelly killing an animal could bring a fine of up to 500,000 Sri Lankan rupees, about $1,500, and up to three years in prison or both.
The bill would also give animal welfare officers the power to step in when an animal is being neglected or abused and require the person responsible to provide food, water, shelter, veterinary treatment, or other care.
It has already been published and is ready to be brought before Parliament.
Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha has said the government plans to hold further discussions before the bill is brought to Parliament.
Sri Lanka’s animals cannot face another long delay.
Tell him to put this bill before Parliament, so Sri Lanka can finally punish cruelty with stronger penalties.
Animals like the elephant who died from burns cannot wait for lawmakers to act someday.
They need Sri Lanka’s animal welfare law changed now.
Thank you for taking action for animals!
Sources:
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