New Animal Welfare Bill: Rs. 250,000 fine, two-year jail for animal cruelty

Colombo, July 23 (Daily Mirror) - Those convicted of animal cruelty could face fines of up to Rs. 250,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, under Sri Lanka's long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill, which has now been published in the Government Gazette.

The proposed legislation, which is expected to be presented to Parliament, seeks to replace the century-old Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Chapter 475) with a tougher legal framework aimed at preventing cruelty and improving animal welfare across the country.

Under the Bill, it will be an offence to beat, kick, torture, overload, overbreed, abandon or poison animals, or intentionally deprive them of food, water or shelter. Keeping animals in cages or enclosures that do not provide sufficient space for movement will also be punishable.

The Bill imposes even harsher penalties for serious offences. Anyone found guilty of killing an animal in a cruel manner or intentionally killing or selling a pregnant animal could face fines of up to Rs. 500,000 and prison terms ranging from three to four years.

It also prohibits setting traps to injure or kill animals without reasonable cause, tying or restraining birds in a cruel manner, performing medical or surgical procedures on animals without proper qualifications, and using animals for cosmetic testing except in prescribed circumstances.

The proposed law further cracks down on organised animal abuse by banning sport hunting, shooting matches, animal fighting and baiting. Property owners who knowingly allow such activities on their premises could also face legal action.

The commercial sale of animals will also come under tighter regulation. Pet shops and breeding centres will be required to obtain licences from local authorities, while the sale of animals on streets or public places and the sale of pets to persons under the age of 16 will be prohibited.

The Bill introduces new welfare standards for transporting animals, requiring suitable vehicles, adequate space, proper loading facilities, and access to food, water and rest during long journeys. Violations could result in fines of up to Rs. 300,000.

To strengthen enforcement, all offences under the proposed law will be cognizable, allowing police to make arrests without a warrant. Designated Animal Welfare Officers will also be empowered to issue directions requiring owners to provide food, shelter or veterinary treatment, while courts will have the authority to confiscate animals and equipment used in cruelty offences upon conviction.

The legislation also provides for the establishment of an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee comprising representatives from government institutions, law enforcement, academia, animal welfare organisations and the livestock sector to oversee the implementation of the law.

If enacted by Parliament, the Animal Welfare Bill will mark Sri Lanka's most significant overhaul of animal protection laws, introducing stronger safeguards against cruelty and stricter penalties for offenders.