– The owner of Pawtopia pet boarding centre in Negombo and a man accused of fatally striking a dog with a shovel have been arrested, the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) said.The arrests were made in connection with the death of a dog named Tango, which was allegedly killed in a shovel attack at the pet boarding facility.The suspects are expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, the AWC said in an update on the case.Attorney-at-Law Sajeewa Gamage led the legal proceedings at Katana Police Station today, while animal activists Rashen Kumarasinghe, Amitha Ranathunga and Mihiri Siriwardena represented the AWC.

The legal owners of the dogs involved in the incident, witnesses and several kennel owners and breeders, including Sureka Tharangani, were also present, according to the organization. The AWC further said a formal complaint would be lodged with the relevant Municipal Council and the Office of the Medical Officer of Health regarding the facility.The organization said it would continue to follow the legal proceedings as it seeks justice for Tango and action against animal cruelty.