Animal SOS Lanka Dog Sanctuary at Ahangama – vivid demonstration of compassion in action
Posted on June 19th, 2025
Members of the Justice for Animals and Nature (JAN) led by Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero visited the unique free roaming Dog Sanctuary at Midigama, Ahangama on June 17, 2025. This unique shelter which accommodates over 2400 street dogs is run by Animal SOS Lanka founded by Ms. Kim Cooling (an extraordinary British animal welfare activist).
It is the largest Dog Sanctuary in Sri
Lanka and best organized. It’s daily expenditure is over Rs. 1 Million and about Rs. 30 Million per month. It gives employment to more than 75 people mostly locals drawn from the surrounding villages in Ahangama. The money comes from the Animal SOS Lanka, which is a British Charity registered in the UK, and as a BOI company in Sri Lanka.
Animal SOS Sri Lanka’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals in need, particularly street animals, while also working to stabilize their population and eradicate rabies. They achieve this through rescue operations, providing veterinary care and refuge, implementing spay/neuter programs, and educating communities about animal welfare.
Its current Manager is Samantha (British citizen of English origin). The Governor of the Southern Province Mr. Bandula Harischandra and his staff inspected the premises on June 17 and met the Management of the Dog Sanctuary and members of JAN, and Mr. Lahiru Abeysekera, Attorney at Law (legal counsel for Animal SOS). Several matters including a long standing court case related to public nuisance law were discussed.
Every living being has a moral entitlement to live unhindered and complete its natural span of life. Humanity must respect the Rights of Animals including stray animals such as street dogs and wildlife.
This Animal Welfare site is an unmistakable demonstration of ‘Compassion in Action’ which is in close alignment with the Buddhist tenets of Metta and Karuna for all living beings (Siyalu Sathwayo).
Justice for Animals and Nature