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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Five people lost their lives in a series of fatal road accidents reported from different parts of the country on Tuesday (25), according to the Police Media Division.

A tragic accident was reported in Millaniya, where a four-year-old child lost her life after sustaining severe head injuries. The incident occurred when the child leaned out of a three-wheeler that was attempting to overtake a tipper truck. Her head struck the truck, causing critical injuries. She was rushed to the Horana Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.

In Girandurukotte, a motorcycle rider attempting to overtake a three-wheeler lost control and fell onto the road before being struck by an oncoming bus. The victim, a 49-year-old resident of Belagannawa, later died in hospital.

In Moragahahena, a 70-year-old man who had just disembarked from a private bus was struck by the same vehicle while attempting to cross the road in front of it and died after being rushed to the hospital.

In Nawagamuwa, a 54-year-old woman was fatally injured after being hit by a three-wheeler while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing in the Lower Bomiriya area.

All drivers connected to the accidents have been taken into custody, and further investigations are being carried out by the respective police stations. (Newswire)

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