Founder of the Veterinary Association for Animal Catch Management through psychological methods, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, has warned that dogs are responsible for nearly 30% of road accidents in Sri Lanka, while rabies vaccinations alone cost the state about one billion rupees annually.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Dr. Nanayakkara stressed that the issue places a heavy burden on the national economy.
He attributed the growing number of street dogs to irresponsible human actions and a lack of social responsibility, noting that abandoned animals thrive on improperly managed garbage, worsening the problem.
He pointed out that a proposed new law aims to deliver a permanent solution. Under the legislation, every dog with an owner must be compulsorily registered with the relevant local council, while the responsibility for street dogs without owners or caretakers will fall directly on local authorities.
Dr. Nanayakkara emphasized that the government will assume responsibility for the vaccination and sterilization of these animals, ensuring that no dog on the street is left destitute. He described this as a “very good concept” that balances animal welfare with public safety.
Expanding on the economic and social impact, he said:
“On one side, when a dog bites, the country spends one billion rupees annually for vaccination. On the other side, 30% of road accidents. How much does this affect the economy? These animals are not on the road by their own will. It is because of people’s irresponsible actions and lack of social responsibility. The law clearly says that the responsibility of those animals must be taken by the local council. Then no dog on the road will be destitute, because the government will take responsibility for vaccination and sterilization. That is a very good concept.” (Newswire)