New Bill seeks to eliminate rabies and regulate dog ownership in Sri Lanka

A new Bill aimed at eliminating rabies in Sri Lanka, introducing a formal system for registering dogs and controlling the country’s dog population was presented to Parliament on Thursday by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen vaccination and dog population control measures as part of efforts to completely eradicate rabies from the country.

It also provides for stricter regulation of commercial dog breeding and the establishment of a proper system for registering dogs.

The Bill further proposes the establishment of a National Advisory Committee on Rabies Elimination and regional advisory committees.

It will repeal the Rabies Ordinance, Chapter 476, and the Dog Registration Ordinance, Chapter 477, while introducing provisions for related and incidental matters.

The second reading of the Bill is scheduled to take place in Parliament on Friday.

Pic courtesy: The Mighty Roar