Police helpless to aid injured animals

A distraught and helpless police officer called Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in the afternoon of June 7, a public holiday.

A stray Labrador had been hit by a car. The police were called to the spot and officers were helplessly looking at the poor dog which was in agony. The police cannot call the emergency vet because the Skytel number is barred!

So they called the sanctuary as we man the phone 24 hours a day. We gave the government veterinary surgeon's mobile number to the police officer but, since it was a public holiday, he was not in a position to respond. So we called the Lm2 emergency vet service ourselves.

The animal ambulance, which is run by volunteers, has been off the road for some weeks with engine trouble. They are raising funds to pay for the necessary repairs. Our own rescue vehicle was unmanned that day.

Meanwhile, the poor dog was surrounded by passersby, including tourists. Some berated the officers for not taking action, others were in tears at the pitiful sight. The emergency vet finally turned up and gave the dog two injections without even attempting to examine his wounds. He left the dog there with open lacerations. The police finally brought a van from the dog section and ferried it to our chairman's home.

It was kept there under sedation overnight. In the morning we took the dog to the vet who sadly had to put him down. It is unacceptable that the police, who are animal welfare officers, cannot contact a government vet in such situations.