Homagama deer to be taken to sanctuary after rabies clearance

By Ifham Nizam

Herds of deer found in Homagama will be transferred to a protected area after rabies tests, the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation says.

A Ministry official said that there could be about 100 deer roaming the area.

Due to the rapid increase in deer population around Homagama and surrounding areas, various parties have requested the Agriculture, Wildlife and forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to relocate them into some reserve or sanctuary.

The Spokesman also said that since the deer were causing damage to home gardens.

It has been reported that rabies is spreading among the deer. Therefore, the Minister has instructed the officials of the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation to ensure that the deer have not contracted rabies before they are taken to wildlife sanctuaries.