The Management of the BMICH yesterday said in a statement that there was a sinister smear media campaign accusing it of poisoning and killing the stray dogs found on its grounds.

The statement signed by CEO of the BMICH, Sunil Dissanayake said: The Management of the BMICH refutes the false claims presently circulating on social media that we are eradicating stray dogs roaming on our premises, by poisoning and killing them.   These claims are completely untrue.  We give below the true facts.

Large numbers of stray dogs find their way into the BMICH premises and cause many problems to our customers, visitors and staff.  Our customers were attacked by these dogs on four or five occasions.

These dogs attacked a staff member about two months ago who had to be administered rabies injections and medical care.

We have received numerous complaints by parents of students who attend various classes held in our buildings.  They state that they feel extremely unsafe with the large packs of stray dogs on our premises.

Before the dogs began to attack our customers and staff, we undertook a joint programme with EMBARK to vaccinate and sterilize the dogs found in our compound, as well as take away the puppies.

This was carried out as we did not wish to drive out the stray dogs and thought that we could allow them to remain on our premises, while making it safe for our customers

However, an increasing number of dogs began to appear on our premises.  Under these circumstances we had no other choice but to have them relocated out of the BMICH premises.

We are aware that this smear campaign is being carried out by a few persons, who go around Colombo feeding stray dogs, who have barged into the BMICH premises, many times, purportedly to feed the stray dogs.  The BMICH Police Unit informed them that they had entered in an unauthorized manner without permission, were trespassing on our premises and we’re not adhering to health regulations such as wearing masks. They were warned and sent away.

These persons have clearly used photos taken elsewhere, for their lying and irresponsible smear campaign

The BMICH follows strict regulations during the pandemic, including not permitting any unauthorised persons to enter our premises.

However, we inform those who forcibly enter our premises to feed the stray dogs therein, if they are true dog-lovers, to take away these dogs for adoption, in the same way that EMBARK has been doing, to the best of their ability.

While appreciating the importance of animal life and protecting them, the main responsibility of our Management is the safety and security of our customers and staff.

The BMICH is an iconic landmark of Sri Lanka and as the Management of this esteemed institution it is our responsibility to ensure the safety, security and satisfaction of all who enter our premises.

We strongly request the persons carrying out this smear campaign to be more responsible and civic conscious, not only towards stray dogs but also to our citizens.