Abandoned dogs a problem for Bellanwila temple

By Ifham NIzam

Dogs abandoned at the Bellanwila temple had become a nuisance to worshipers and there were two or three complaints of dog bites, but not a single animal had suffered or died without food, said Ven. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Raja Maha Viharaya.
 
Answering queries at a press briefing on Tuesday evening, the Thera said there were between 60 and 70 stray dogs within the temple premises; most of the bitches along with their puppies had been abandoned by the so-called high class people. adding that he didn’t see such acts in Singapore.
 
The Chief Incumbent said on Poya days the stray dogs enter the Dhamma Hall and disturbed worshipers.
 
He also said that shortly he would ask Zoological Gardens Director General Ishini Wickremesinghe why she had assigned some persons to picture the temple tusker without the consent of the Temple authorities.