Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka – Authorities in this popular hill country tourist destination are preparing to auction off dozens of stray ponies after repeated warnings to their owners were ignored, according to the mayor.
Mayor Upali Wanigasekera said the animals, many of which are used by owners to offer rides to local and foreign tourists near the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse, are frequently seen wandering the city, feeding on food scraps and grazing on public land.
“While these ponies generate income for their owners, they are being neglected,” the mayor said. “Some are in poor health, others are left to roam free, and there have even been complaints of ponies biting tourists.”
Despite repeated instructions from the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council to enclose the animals properly, many owners have failed to comply. Municipal workers have now been instructed to capture the ponies and move them to a secure holding area on council property, where they will be monitored and cared for.
The decision follows mounting complaints from visitors and local police about disturbances caused by the animals, particularly in areas with high tourist activity.
“We are giving owners one final opportunity,” Wanigasekera added. “They can reclaim their animals only after paying a fine and agreeing to new care conditions. If they fail to do so, the ponies will be auctioned.”
Local officials hope the move will serve as a warning to owners and restore public order in one of Sri Lanka’s busiest tourist towns.
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