Kataragama dog control drive records 223 sterilizations, 251 vaccinations

Colombo, Nov. 18 (Daily Mirror) - A five-year initiative to control rabies and the stray dog population in the Kataragama area has recorded significant progress, with 223 sterilizations and 251 anti-rabies vaccinations completed during the first four days of the campaign.

Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, Executive Committee Member of the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC), said the drive also included 65 additional treatments, 40 skin treatments, and three procedures for canine transmissible venereal tumors (TVT).

The campaign, running from November 14 to 23, is coordinated by the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Animal Production and Health Department, with support from the Help a dog with Vets for future program. Services are provided daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Officials highlighted that controlling the local dog population is critical not only for animal welfare but also for public health, helping reduce the risk of rabies transmission. The project aligns with Sri Lanka’s commitment to the global goal of eliminating rabies by 2029.