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)

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Police in Negombo arrested a 67‑year‑old man on Wednesday (10) after reports emerged that he had subjected two dogs in his care to inhumane treatment at his home in the Sea Street area.

According to the Police, at the time of arrest, officers found the animals’ mouths tied with string. 

The Police said that the dogs were safely taken into police custody and are now reported to be in good health.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (11). 

The Negombo Police are continuing further investigations into the case. (Newswire)

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A protest has been held to condemn the Sri Lankan authorities’ move to remove street dogs in and around Colombo City during Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka.

Several animal activists participated in the protest held in front of the Indian High Commission in Colombo, holding banners and placards.

According to protesters, the street dogs had been removed from Colombo City ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka. 

“Several local and foreign animal activists have gathered here today to condemn the government’s unreasonable decision. Narendra Modi is known as an animal lover. But our government has decided to remove these street dogs. We wonder if the decision was taken to beautify the town, or out of fear that the dogs would jump on the Indian PM or his vehicle. We will have to question the President on the reason to remove the dogs,” a protester told the media. (Newswire)

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