Animal welfare organizations in Sri Lanka have pledged their full support for Aloka, the Peace Dog, ahead of his participation in the International Peace Walk which is to be commenced 21 April from Anuradhapura.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, the Animal Welfare Coalition Sri Lanka (AWC) stated that its members are standing by to ensure the safety and well-being of Aloka. The coalition, represented by seven members including veterinarians Chamith Nanayakkara, Uthpala Wickramasinghe, Waruka Wickramasekera, and Gihat Dinushka, highlighted several concerns.
The group pointed out that Aloka faces a high risk of heat stress, as Sri Lanka’s climate is significantly hotter than the conditions he was accustomed to in America. They also warned that street dogs in Sri Lanka are highly territorial and may react aggressively toward an unfamiliar dog entering their area. Given the presence of street dogs along public roads, there is a considerable risk of Aloka being attacked or placed in dangerous situations during the walk.
The coalition has therefore requested that Aloka be placed under the continuous supervision of a qualified veterinarian or a veterinary team from the Department of Animal Production and Health throughout the event, from start to finish. This is especially critical due to the current rapid spread of deadly canine diseases such as distemper and parvovirus across the island.
The AWC emphasized that their intervention is aimed at protecting Aloka — a dog who once suffered on the streets but has since earned widespread respect — from any further hardship or danger. They also expressed their willingness to provide volunteer support from the Animal Welfare Forum, along with necessary medicines and other resources to ensure his safety during the state-sponsored International Peace Walk, scheduled from the 21st to the 28th.
