By The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has reassured animal lovers that the recent encounter between a dog and a leopard inside Wilpattu National Park was not due to a domestic pet being brought into the park.
Director General M.G.C. Sooriyabandara issued the clarification after an investigation into a viral video of the interaction, which sparked concerns that dogs were being used to lure leopards for tourist attractions.
The inquiry confirmed that the incident took place on January 29, 2025, near the Kumbukvila area of the park.
The dog in question was identified as a guard dog belonging to a farmer in Randagama, Hunuwilagama, who allows it to roam freely to protect his crops. The owner had noticed the dog missing on the day of the incident but confirmed that it returned the following day.
Wildlife officials inspected the area and verified the dog’s presence at its owner’s land, noting minor injuries on its body.
The DWC also reviewed CCTV footage and found no evidence of domestic animals being smuggled into the park on that day.
Statements taken from wildlife officers and individuals accused on social media showed no discrepancies, Sooriyabandara stated.
The Director General emphasized that smuggling domestic animals into wildlife reserves is a punishable offense.
