Leopard killed in Kilinochchi was not domesticated - Sri Lanka Army

Colombo (News1st) :  Several weeks ago a leopard was brutally beaten to death by a mob in Ambalkulam, Killinochchi. There have been various rumors and theories that have begun to surface in the aftermath of this animal's death. Veterinarian for the Grithale Wildlife Office Akalanka Pinidiya performed the postmortem examination on the leopard. The Department of Wildlife says due to the presence of an unusual layer of fat in the animals skin layer a conclusion can be drawn that it was not an animal that lived in the wild but it was a domesticated one. No hairballs were discovered inside the leopard's intestines during the postmortem examination as well. The Department of Wildlife says it is common to locate furballs in the intestines of Carnivores. Veterinarian Akalanka Pinidiya went on to state that since the court had requested for a report on the matter he cannot make any comment to the media. Director General of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara said more information would be revealed after the postmortem report is produced in court. Locals in the area claim, several days before the incident a group of soldiers had conducted a search in the area stating a K9 had gone missing from the army camp. The Kilinochchi Police said 04 days prior to the incident, a group of soldiers had filed a complaint stating a dog had gone missing. Military Spokesperson Brigadier Sumith Atapattu, denied claims that the leopard in question was raised in captivity at an army camp but did say that if it is found out to be the truth, there would be serious repercussions against those responsible. While confirming the story about the missing dog, Brig. Attapattu noted that the Army had filed a complaint with the police fearing that it might attack someone.