Cats and dogs too on the verge of starvation!
Veterinarians and importers and distributors of pet food say the shortage of dollars has led to a shortage of pet food.According to veterinarians, not only cats and dogs food but the prices of vaccines and medicines have also increased by up to 100 percent.
Animal feed distributors also say that the dollar crisis has led to problems with clearing these stocks of pet food vitamins, etc. from customs, which have been imported in the past.
As a result, veterinarians complain that sufficient stocks of pet food, medicines and vitamins are not received to veterinarian clinics.They claim that a packet of pet food which sold for Rs. 100 earlier has now increased to Rs. 500.The importers also claim that opening Letters of Credit at banks for the import of these items has been delayed by several weeks.
When inquired about this, the Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Dr. Hemali Kotelawala said that if there is any problem in releasing pet food from the port, the department should be informed.
“The pet food and vitamins used for pets will not be available at the earlier prices. The reduction in supply has led to the increase in process. However, if there is any issue with clearing such stocks of pet food or vitamins that have been imported, our department should be notified and we are ready to assist in getting them cleared from customs.