Photographs and footage of dogs being rounded up and killed at the University of Moratuwa circled the internet late last week.

Several social media platforms reported that the Government was covertly killing animals as a means of eradicating stray dogs from Colombo.

The photographs and video clips revealed how dogs inhabiting the Moratuwa University premises died after being injected with a toxic substance.

Reports received yesterday (17) further revealed that the murdered dogs had been transported to Homagama and covertly buried on a land owned by the University.

Following the revelation of this incident, Ada Derana proceeded to make an inquiry from the Vice Chancellor of the Moratuwa University, Professor Ananda Jayawardane.

Speaking to Ada Derana correspondents, the Vice Chancellor stated that the dogs had been injected with a chemical in an effort to control the canine population on the University premises, where two of the dogs had unexpectedly died from an overdose.

He added that as soon as knowledge of the overdose came to light, further progress was terminated, and explained that their deaths were by no means premeditated.

Ada Derana also made an inquiry from animal rights activists regarding the incident, during which, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Embark Foundation, Otara Gunawardene stated that a suitable solution could have been provided for the dog issue of Moratuwa, and expressed her disappointment over their killing.

Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero, upon expressing his sentiments on the situation, vehemently condemned such an inhumane action being conducted at an educational institution where citizens were being molded into educated, wholesome individuals.

Addressing the accusations over the dog massacre in Moratuwa, Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils, Faiszer Musthapha stated that the stray dog population had proved to be problematic and that measures must be taken to combat the problem, but added that he by no means condoned their killing.