Feeding cats on a public road risks arrest in Sri Lanka
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My husband and I have established a cat café at the back of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel where we have been feeding the cats every day for the last seven years. A cat café is basically an area where cats are fed at a regular time each day. Usually a cat café is set up at a hotel, school or other public place where cats would otherwise be attracted by a steady supply of food and become a public nuisance and, in countries like Sri Lanka which still has endemic rabies, a health hazard. Feeding them away from areas where people congregate while at the same time sterilizing and vaccinating them removes the nuisance and public health risk and allows cats and humans to coexist peacefully. We feed eight cats at the cat café and have sterilized all but one of the females and vaccinated all but that one particularly timid female.
Over this last school holiday period we have been employing a young lad doing his O/Ls as he is trying to help his parents to pay for the expense of his tuition classes and schooling. On Tuesday the 14th August, the sky was overcast and rain was threatening so I went down to the feeding area a little early leaving a message for the boy to follow when he arrived. I had started feeding the cats when two policemen pulled up on a motorbike and started watching me. This is nothing unusual so I was not concerned. Over the years, many people have pulled up in rickshaws and cars or walked over to take photos of the cats being fed and to tell me what a great job I’m doing and sometimes to ask me if I am doing it because I am Buddhist. Sometimes they are concerned that I am not feeding the dogs as well and I tell them that the dogs are fed separately well away from where people might be walking as they tend to block the footpath.
However, when my helper arrived it became obvious that the police wanted to stop me feeding the cats but hadn’t said anything because they assumed that I would not be able to speak Sinhala. Hearing them berating my young helper for his efforts, I promptly told them that he was only doing the job he was paid for and that their business was with me. By this time a carload of additional police officers had arrived on the scene. The senior officer in that vehicle called me over and wanted my name, address and phone number which I supplied and then asked what the problem was. He said that I shouldn’t feed the cats as the road was one that the President frequently drove along and I was causing environmental pollution and they had been instructed to stop me doing so. In Sinhala, they told my helper that this was the President’s road and he should pack up the food and leave. I pointed out that it was a public road and that I was not causing any environmental pollution as the cats eat the food from little individual plastic boxes and we clean up any mess prior to leaving. I invited them to come back and inspect the spot at any time during any day of the week and tell me if they were able to find so much as a single discarded Salaya skeleton. At this time a second police vehicle turned up with an English speaking officer in charge.
The first officer then told me that I would have to go down to the police station and make a statement to the DIG. I said that I would be happy to come down and make a statement but that I intended to finish feeding the cats first as they are only fed once a day and their hunger was more of a concern for me than upsetting the President’s delicate sensibilities with non-existent environmental pollution. I also said that I would like to make a recording of the stated reason for taking me to the police station and presented him with the tape recording facility on my mobile phone. He refused to allow me to make a recording and directed the English speaking officer to bring me to the police station whereupon he and the other officers in the first car left the scene. At that point in time, there were some 6 officers present. Given that there were another 2-3 officers in the first vehicle, I think that some 8-10 officers had been applied to the task of stopping me feeding the 8 cats.
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The English speaking officer was very polite and did consent to make a recorded statement stating the reason for my being required to go to the police station. I took some photographs of this group of officers and told them that I would come with them but that, if I did, I would be taking further photographs at the police station and would not hesitate to share these and the recorded statement with the press and my embassy. They then shut their book and left. I went back to feeding the cats. In answer to the questions of bystanders who had been watching the incident, I explained that the police had been trying to arrest me for feeding cats.
Deborah, thank you for showing that one person can make a difference in this world! I congratulate you on standing up for your principles! I started a Facebook page for “Naoto Matsumura, Guardian of Fukushima’s Animals” and I’m always drawn to stories of people who have the courage of their convictions. You’re responsible actions of spaying, neutering and feeding the cats (and dogs) in the area, will hopefully show others that there is a way to protect and care for these abandoned animals. Their lives are worth something and it takes a lot to stand up to the authorities and speak out for those who have no voice.
Mr. Matsumura is the last remaining resident in the Tomioka, inside Fukushima’s exclusion zone. Thousands of cats, dogs, cows and other animals have been abandoned by the government of Japan. In spite of the risks to his own health, Mr. Matsumura has remained behind to care for them. While thousands of animals have already died of hunger and thirst, thousands more are fighting for their lives. 2nd and 3rd generation kittens, puppies and other animals are being born there everyday. Major media has lost interest but, Mr. Matsumura wants the world to know that these animals deserve to be saved. All life is important and worth saving.
I am happy to share your story on my Facebook page and I hope your story will inspire others. You’ve certainly inspired me.
Nancy Holohan
San Francisco
P.S. Here is a link to the Facebook page for Mr. Matsumura if you’d like to see where I shared your story.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
This is the result of having the country run by a megalomaniac. Every Tom Dick and Harry’s uncle in the government employ will ultimately try to kiss his fat brown A** for brownie points!
Hey Chris,
You might want to go back and do some google search on previous presidents of the country, if you really want to find out about the megalomaniacs.
You are able to walk on the streets of Colombo without being blown into pieces, all thanks to his work. Whether all of his methods were humane or not is another issue. But one thing is sure, he’s done a reasonable good job in that department, even when comparing to so called developed, civilized nations.
I highly doubt that this particular incident happened on the request of the president(He surely has bigger things in his mind).
You may be right about that the police officers were trying to put a stop to Deborah’s charity work, simply to kiss somebody’s ‘serious’ butt.
I think your doing an awesome job. And I really like your attitude and how you handled that situation. I have watched you myself many evenings, when I leave from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Cheers! Keep it up
As a citizen of this Country I see no objection to anyone feeding cats, dogs and even monkeys.
But this should not be allowed in public places.
I particularly see women in the area I live scattering the roadways and other peoples parapet walls with rice bread and what not.
These are left sometimes on the ground other times on a piece of paper.
These remain sometimes till the days after, but these people don’t clean up what they have left but keep on doing this again and again sometimes in different locations.
All sorts of other reptiles are attracted, breeding flies perhaps mosquitos and finally rats.
I have told some of these women not to leave this “garbage” in front of my gate. I spend money to keep my front clean not to attract any creatres.
These so called food, most often, even dogs don’t eat.Dogs sniff take a bite and go away.
If anyone wants to feed animals, first they should spend some good money cook a decent meal so that the dogs and cats will fight to eat it.
DON’T LITTER THE STREETS WITH REMNANTS OF WHAT YOU CANNOT EAT.
Walter I totally agree with you. As I have the same problem with a neighbour who leaves left over food in front of our house (instead of theirs) and then burns left over food paper / polythene, burning ivy on our wall in the process. It’s taken many visits to the cop shop and over 2 years to put a stop to it.
I am an animal lover and am all for feeding strays in a RESPONSIBLE manner without making it a nuisance for anyone else.
However, in this instance, the circumstances seem to be different. As Deborah says, she removes all / any left over food.
Walter, I couldn’t agree with you more. Please be assured that there is not a crumb left on the pavement after I finish feeding. You are more than welcome to go down yourself and have a look. The place is about half way between the back gate of the Cinnamon Grand and the kitchen for their outside restaurant ….ie as far as possible from areas where the cats might cause a nuisance. I am always very careful to avoid polluting the environment and even take plastic bags with me to “scoop the poop” when taking my dogs for their morning walk. I hope that I am being a role model for others in doing this. Deborah
D M Markar
You are a astounding personality in this Island of deserted and frustrated women, My apology to them.They seem to have lost their vocation.
I see some of these women in the street with a big polythene bag carrying what they call “food” for stray dogs and cats.
They look melancholy do not carry a smile and give the impression that they are being burdened. Some in their nighties I believe.
One woman takes two buses to her feeding destination an area which I frequent. She leaves food on the parapet walls and by the side of dirty and filthy drains. This woman looks she has means dressed very well.
There is another woman I know in this vicinity, married twice and has no children, supposed to be an Engineer.
Her environment is bloody filthy, an adjacent garden occupied by rodents cats and dogs. She sometimes carries these annimals.
I am surprised that there is no outbreak of “plague”
Well Done Debbie! no person could say that a public road is belong to any vip or vvip or to a private person if the road is declared as public road, then It is a public road. and its a shame to see these fellow officers who pose for a picture cos most of them do not know the rules of the country.Yes unless if you have left the debris, then they could take action against it but not for feeding the animals. Animals too has the right to live on this earth.
Thank you for showing the fellow officers that you stand by your principals.
Good luck
The president has heard about the story and fully supports your effort so long as it is done in a manner that does not disturb public peace. Please note that Sri Lanka is a free country and any actions that are that are done with the right intent and one that benefits the country is applauded. Please note that police also have the right to make inquiries where necessary to verify facts. The law of the land allows anybody to take anybody to court if there are any disputes. Our president has made sure that the police department is independent. If you feel uneasy about the actions of the police, please feel free to make a complaint.
Hey .
Please keep in this mind.
This is our country.We want to keep it beautiful and clean.So to make it sure this govt has made it a law(i am not a govt henchman but see good as good bad as bad).Thats why police intervene.But its not because its presidents road.Please be careful when u using words.
Not only in presidents road as u tell this happens all in sri lanaka.U just come out and walk along col 6 col3 maradana and ask roadside shop owners that how the police have instructed them to keep their front clean and beautiful.The police is enforcing that.(CANT GET KNOWLADGE JUST SITTING INSIDE)
So u may feed cats in a cleaner way.But if it is a law its applicable to every one.
Dont worry Deborah.. what you are doing is great. U may get positive and negative comments but u know what you are doing is right. We support you all the way. Most SLankans are only good at criticizing and talking and looking into other peoples business’s just to make stories and gossip but not to be of any help!! It is a common fact here. When it comes to the law..SLankan laws change whenever the law makers want it changed. Sadluy Nothing is done properly. Even though we are Srilankan’s are do love our country coz this is where we were born and raised… the police are not like the police yrs ago. Everything has changed now. Even the police are more inquisitive about ppl affairs not to help but to just makes scenes and not paying attention to the real things that need to be changed. a very few that really care abt people + animals.
I happen to have the same name but if I read the article right this lady does a great service and leaves no scrap on the footpath. It is unfortunate that in a country where most people claim to be Buddhist a little compassion cannot be shown to the animals and objects to someone who is showing compassion to them. Is it any wonder these so called Buddhists attack Hindu temples and Mosques? We have to go back to basics and learn Buddha’s noble teachings before we call ourselves Buddhist.
I work in the area. Please feel free to buzz me (on 0722316088) if u need assistance. Hope to see you continue what you do.
It’s hilarious to say since president travels in the road one should not feed cats. If the police is so concern they should take those cats to animal shelters. My brother feeds stray dogs and I notice everyday at exact time the dogs come near his gate and wait for food. Of course he uses plastic containers to put food. Those animals are so happy and grateful after eating food and you could see in their eyes. Some VIP’s only prefer imported animals. Keep up your good work.
The Police behave like insensitive brutes without any sense. Cant blame them when their superiors have to please the whims and fancies of the big man, otherwise they will be sent home. Our politicians think they own the whole country and the people are their vassals. Just imagine the number of people involved just to stop someone feeding a cat.
To be honest, the police have not been given any proper training. For Example.check traffic police. iM not saying this to hurt someone’;s feelings but u know , if u watch how a traffic police waves his hand at ppl during the green light… it is a completely different method called the local style. which an office shld not. if u want to get ppl’s attention u have to be smart…or trained to look smart..stand upright… until these basic things are changed u cld never see positive change in SL. have soo many things that need changing in SL..most are basic things. The president alone cant look into all these.. but those who need to are not bothered. Just check the pics above? do they really look like police?? and u call that the LAW? I tell u..everything depends on civilian. if u look rich, the cops like you…if u look poor the cops will not like you. its like the weather… it changes anytime. u cant change the country until you change the mindset of its people and specially those who are governing it.
Yes i thought the same..how many cops are there just to stop this lady from feeding the cats? actually the most are there only to just watch…nothing else to do ! lol
Policing in Sri Lanka has gone nuts.I am curious to know whose orders the Police were carrying out?The stray dog and cats problems are humanely carried out in developed countries like Australia. You simply don’t see any stray dog or a cat as every animal has an owner.Untill we come up to that standard let kind people feed the abandoned animals and prevent them from becoming a nuisance to the public.
I salute the boldness of Nancy to stand up to her rights inspite of the fact that she was questioned by a rabid Police bent on protecting the environment for the President’s pleasure when thousands of trees are being cut down mercilessly.
Why not use the police efforts in prosecuting or fining those people who abandon innocent puppies, kittens and adult dogs and cats in public areas, roads?
Why not use these efforts to ensure proper compliance is adhered to of breeding of exotic animals reared in captivity?
Why prevent, when people like Deborah who act responsibly, by spaying and vaccinating these animals on the streets, feeding these helpless animals at THEIR OWN EXPENSE, and even cleaning after feeding them.
I have passed that area several times, when feeding was taking place, and it is such a pleasant sight!
These cats are hardly noticeable at other times, and only can be seen at the feeding time.
I’m SURE that the President of this country, has NOT asked that the cats be not fed in this area, but it is only “other officials” who think that this is what ” the president wishes”, who have taken this stand!
To add to this , the feeding is not done on the road, and president very rarely passes this way , at the feeding time. (Otherwise he too would be delighted by the sight!)
Let us all have the courage to stand for what is right, and help this innocent animals in whatever way we could, while acting RESPONSIBLY.
I hope all the relevant authorities concerned, remember the quote of Mahatma Gandhi “THE GREATNESS OF A NATION AND ITS MORAL PROGRESS CAN BE JUDGED BY THE WAY ITS ANIMALS ARE TREATED” , which is very relevant in todays context in dealing with development versus ecology.
The Police could better spend their time in catching criminals & drug peddlers rather than prevent the meritorious act of feeding cats which was being done in a organized manner with no hindrance to man nor animal. These cats would eventually become friendly enough to be caught and spayed, leading to a reduction in the population of stray cats – surely a desirable outcome for all.
In the seventies,almost weekly I was woken from sleep at night by yowling and mewling of puppies and kittens people had brought stelthily and left in my front garage, in Modera.
I had no alternative but to take them in a box in the boot of my car and abandon them in a far away lonely place.
My neighbour,a devout buddhist lady always purchased only cracked eggs at the nearby grocery store.She called them “buddhist eggs” as the embryo was already dead and boiling them did not constitute murder.
In thailand I saw live dogs hung up for sale in the marketplace with front legs broken.Dog meat is a delicacy there.It is mainly a buddhist country.There were also vast pig farms.Pork is also a common delicacy.
Humaneness towards animals does exist,but only total vegetarians really practice it.
justitia,
That is true. Being Buddhist on the saying doesn’t mean such Buddhists practice the teachings of Buddha. Vegetarianism is in strict sense is a Hindu practice, rather than Buddhist. But, slaughtering animals for food is definitely not Buddha’s teaching. Thailand, like all other countries practice their own version of Buddhism alone with local habits of eating such animals, which sounds horrific to the others. For the Western world eating cats and dogs is a barbaric practice. And, traditionally, for Hindus and Buddhists, killing and eating cows is a barbaric practice as well. I think true vegetarianism is a good thing on humane basis, without need for any religion to justify it. I can say, it’s a fact that eating cats, dogs, cows, etc, etc is a barbaric practice, when it does nothing but making us sick and cause inexplicable suffering to those animals we push down our throats.
cats and dogs are menace in this country..so many innocent die for rabies..
[edited out] and try public feeding of cats..
if you must feed them please have a separate enclosure for them..
how dare you to challenge the law of the country….and the systems..
Cats and Dogs are better behaved than some of our people. Such people spread hate and racism. They trample on the rights and kill other human beings. They are brutes in human form. Unfortunately some of them are above the law.
True that!!!!
Rashan,
Cat’s and dogs are not a menace. The over population of humans in the country is the problem, and specially the people like with zero compassion. It’s anything but Buddhist. May be you should go back to Buddhist literature that you may or may have not come across during your primary and secondary school years. Find out what Buddha says about the ‘difference’ between animals and humans.
Deborah and all such people do a great job in an orderly and very responsible manner – please let them be.
As for ‘how dare you challenge the law of the country’ – dear me.. has it come to the point that we can’t feed a poor little creature without ‘challenging the law of the country.. and the systems..’?
There’s a saying- ‘ Good people are good to their animals;
the “good hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.’
– Proverbs.12.10 -
A friend of mine who lived in Colombo Central close to the late President, Mr. Premadasa’s private residence related this to me:
The area is a thickly populated one. People there mostly live in small crowded houses. In hot days they come out and sit on the steps outside their houses for fresh air. Then hours before Mr. Premadasa passes through that road, the police arrives and directs everyone to get into their homes. So for the few minutes journey of the President the poor people were made to suffer for hours. When he die many people of the area had said ‘At least now we can sit outside our homes and enjoy some fresh air’. So the the present presidential incumbent seems to be following Premadasa Chintanaya.
Let’s hope that won’t be the case. I have horrifying memories of that time. That president reaped what he sowed on a similar street in the end in a most violent manner.
I haven’t seen anything like that from the incumbent. I think he cares little about cats and dogs being fed on the side of the road. But, it would be good if he cares about the poor cats and dogs on the street, at least to a certain degree.
All it’s needed in Sri Lanka is a well maintained neutering program sponsored by the government and the stray cat and dog problem will be over within a generation of cat and dogs, which won’t be that long.
Seeing so many animals suffering on the streets while harboring diseases like rabies is not a good thing for a dominantly Buddhist country.
Dear Deborah! Congrats and thank you soooo much for standing up for our local animals that are homeless and hungry, you being a non SLankan. I learned so much from you just this few min of reading the whole incident with the police. U answered them so wisely and smartly. I was so annoyed to read how they talked to you abt what you did for these cats!! Mother Theresa gave answer when asked why she did waht she did in Calcutta. She did not say she did it bcoz her heart was broken seeing such poverty. she said she is doing it for Jesus! In this case you are doing for the Lord when you do this great help for these cats. SO no man can come against you and tell u to stop doing what you do even if the road belonged to the president of the World! Bcoz u are doing the best thing you can do. We all support you and pls if there is anything we can do to help with food finances even let us know.
The funny part is always that in SL is that everyone is more interested in where you live, your phone number and your designation! I see those are the first questions even the police have asked. lol
How absurd. still its reality here. we have to all put up with such things when we reach out to homeless dogs and cats.
My prayers out with you Deborah, dont worry about anything, I dont know if u are a Christian, but if you have Christ in you..then you know He that is in you in Greater than he that is in the world…keep saying it.. all these ppl who try to come against you wont even see you there. Only the cats would.
Thank you once again for all that you are doing for Sri Lankan cats in the area. GBU.