Wildlife officers from the Panama Range Office conducted a raid in the Radella area yesterday (16), during which the owner of a tourist hotel was arrested for keeping an owl, 10 pairs of deer antlers, and 10 tusks inside a cage at the premises.
Investigations are also underway regarding two eagles and a rusty‑spotted cat cub suspected to be kept within the hotel premises. The suspect and the seized items are scheduled to be produced before the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court today (17).
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance strictly prohibits the possession, transport, or exhibition of such protected wildlife.
The department added that wildlife officers continue to carry out raids to ensure these animals enjoy their right to live freely in their natural environment. (Newswire)
