Wildlife officers have arrested two hotel managers in the Kegalle district after deer mounts were found displayed at their establishments.
According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, on April 25, officials from the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office raided a hotel in the area following information that deer skulls with antlers were being exhibited. The manager was taken into custody along with two mounts.
The Department further said a second raid was carried out at a hotel in Alapalawala, Debathgama, where another mount was seized and the manager arrested.
Authorities confirmed the suspects will be produced before the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court and the Mawanella Magistrate’s Court, respectively, on May 5.
The Department noted that possession, transport, display, or sale of parts of protected animals is a punishable offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. (Newswire)