A tardy introduction
Hello, sorry I know I haven’t properly introduced myself, I’m a shy bird; I’m Soharni Tennekoon and I run @ceylonstreetdogproject as a volunteer side project (I’m also a mama and business co-owner).
This project is just me, a lone dog nerd (there’s no team!), researching dog behaviour & welfare, with a focus on SL street dogs, or Sri Dogs, as I like to call them.
Ceylon Street Dog Project focuses on Sri Dog education & awareness, with a hope to inspire social change in our approach to these animals.
Spay/neutering & vaccination is something I firmly believe in as an effective long term solution, plus community engagement. These approaches are vital in keeping dog numbers down in a way that’s not cruel or harmful, while keeping communities safe. Much respect for animal rescues that focus on Catch Neuter Vaccinate Return (CNVR).
Why study street dogs? Well, did you know that of the ~1 billion domestic dogs worldwide, approx. 750 million are street dogs? That’s 3/4 of the world’s dog population that are free roaming! They’re remarkable animals — adaptable, affectionate, and resourceful, and 100% worthy of study in my opinion. Despite their numbers, data is currently limited on free roaming dogs — but you have to start somewhere right?
Inspired by people who dedicate their lives to the study of wildlife species and marine mammals (like 2 of my local faves @urbanfishingcat and @ashadevos ), I thought why not apply a similar methodological study to free-roaming dogs, who make up part of the great urban ecosystem? There’s much to learn about them and from them — especially their relationships with humans.
As a canine behaviourist who has spent years volunteering in animal rescue, I have a fair understanding of this species. And I believe it’s important that we take a scientific approach to their management.
The current state methods of population control are scientifically unsound, shortsighted and extremely cruel. It’s time for systemic change. And this can only be done through studying the species and advocating for policy change, while creating awareness amongst the thinking public.
