From Lost to Loved: Rescuing the Strays

Our rescue animals

At our base, we currently care for a group of rescue dogs as well as a cat. Part of our routine work each year is ensuring their health care is kept up to date while we are on site.

This visit, we brought food supplies specifically for the dogs and carried out their annual deworming treatment. This is something we do regularly to maintain their health, as parasitic infections are common in the area.

We also have a new cat in our care. At first, we assumed she was female and named her Samantha. After a closer check during routine care, it turned out that Samantha is actually male. He has now received deworming treatment and initial preventative care and is settling into the environment.

While these animals are no longer in immediate danger, they remain part of our ongoing responsibility and are cared for consistently during our time in Sri Lanka.

Work with DCC

A significant part of our work was carried out alongside our German partner organisation, DCC. Their team operates continuously in the region, and our visits support both their ongoing programmes and specific field days where additional capacity is needed.. We provided them with medicines and dog treats brought from Europe and worked directly with their team during daily field operations.

Our involvement included assisting with veterinary procedures, helping prepare and support sterilisation and vaccination campaigns, and joining their daily feeding rounds for stray dogs in surrounding areas.

These feeding rounds are a key part of their work, reaching dogs in multiple locations who rely on regular food support. In parallel, veterinary teams carry out treatments and procedures in mobile or temporary setups.

During the week we were on the ground, an average of around 30 dogs and cats per day were spayed, neutered, and vaccinated. In addition to sterilisation and vaccination, a range of other treatments and minor surgical procedures were carried out depending on the condition of the animals presented.

These operations are not one-off interventions. They form part of a continuous programme aimed at controlling population growth, reducing disease transmission, and improving the general condition of stray animal populations over time.

Sterilisation, vaccination, and prevention work

A large part of the work we are involved in is preventive rather than reactive.

In areas with high stray populations, the cycle of uncontrolled breeding leads to ongoing suffering, with puppies and kittens often born into environments where food, shelter, and medical care are limited or absent.

Spay and neuter programmes are one of the most effective tools available to address this. Alongside vaccination—particularly against diseases such as rabies—these interventions reduce long-term suffering and also lower risks for local communities.

Our role in this work is practical: assisting veterinary teams, supporting logistics, helping with handling and preparation where needed, and contributing supplies and manpower during field days.

Work with local communities

In addition to working with stray populations, we also support animals belonging to families in poorer communities where access to veterinary care is limited or unaffordable.

In these cases, we help provide free sterilisation and vaccination services, prioritising dogs that would otherwise not receive any veterinary treatment.

The focus is not only on individual animals but also on reducing the number of unwanted litters and improving overall animal health in these communities over time.

Many of the dogs we encounter in these areas live semi-free roaming lives, often cared for but not formally owned in a veterinary sense. This makes accessible, free-of-charge veterinary support particularly important.

The area where we work has a high density of stray animals, particularly dogs, and limited access to consistent veterinary infrastructure.

Animals are commonly found around villages, roadside areas, markets, and food sources, often relying on informal feeding from residents or visiting organisations. While some animals are in reasonable condition, many present with untreated medical issues, parasites, or injuries.

The work in this environment is ongoing and repetitive in nature: feeding, treating, sterilising, vaccinating, and monitoring wherever possible. Progress is gradual and depends heavily on sustained presence and cooperation with local partners.

Our approach is based on consistency rather than short-term intervention.

The Plight of Sri Lanka’s Strays

Strays in Sri Lanka are facing incredible challenges as they fight to survive in both the inland areas and along the beautiful beaches. Many beach dogs, desperate for water, end up drinking salt water, which only worsens their already fragile health. These animals are often malnourished, dealing with parasites, and suffering from untreated wounds and illnesses. Yet, despite their harsh reality, they remain incredibly friendly and trusting, showing a remarkable resilience and hope for kindness despite their suffering.

The economic decline in Sri Lanka has only made the situation more desperate. Many families are struggling to meet their basic needs, leaving little to no resources for animal care. This dire economic climate has exacerbated the crisis, with strays suffering alongside the country’s human population. With veterinary supplies and food becoming increasingly expensive, rescuing and caring for these animals has become a monumental challenge.

In addition to providing food, we focus on creating sustainable solutions. We work closely with local communities, teaching them how to set up feeding stations and provide clean water for the animals. We also partner with beach hotels and hostels, supplying them with food to care for the strays in their areas. These collaborations help build a network of compassion and support for these vulnerable animals.

By focusing on food and forming partnerships, we’re not only helping the animals survive but also encouraging a more caring attitude toward them. Your support can help us continue this crucial work and give these animals a real chance at a better life.

With your support, Wild at Life e.V. can continue to bring hope and care to the strays of Sri Lanka. By providing food, medical treatment, and education, we’re helping these animals overcome the many challenges they face. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact and brings us closer to a world where these animals can live healthier and happier lives. Together, we can change their future.