Vets dispute Pramitha Bandara’s stray dog population claim over data accuracy

8 March 2024 09:26 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 8 (Daily Mirror) - The declaration by Defense State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon in Parliament yesterday regarding the population of stray dogs in the country is baseless and it is asserted that the State Minister issued this statement without possessing accurate data on the subject, advisor to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara said.

The State Minister said that some 6.2 million stray dogs are roaming in different parts of the country and that this situation has caused serious issues in tourist areas such as Sigiriya.

He mentioned that previously, inaccurate statements had been circulated about the monkey population in the country, citing incorrect figures and contributing to a false perception within the community that there are three million monkeys in the country.

"As veterinarians, we have been involved with this dog population for the past 24 years. There were three million dogs in the country by 2007. Later, dog population control sterilization surgery programmes were conducted by the government as well as animal welfare associations," he said.

As a result of these programms the current dog population in the country is less than 2.1 million, he said.

"But the Minister claimed that there are 6.2 million stray dogs in the country. However, there are fewer stray dogs in the country. Even though the dogs were considered stray dogs, most of them had owners though they were living freely. There are some dogs considered as community dogs that usually live near religious places of worship, three-wheeler parks and shops," Dr. Nanayakkara said.

"According to our calculations, there is 2.1 million dog populations in the country, and three percent of them can be considered stray dogs," he said.

Therefore, the State Minister has made a false statement, and it has become a threat to the lives of the existing dog population in the country, the doctor said.

"The State Minister also claimed that the huge dog population has become a situation that has caused serious issues in tourist areas such as Sigiriya. Sigiriya is a place where the dog population has been systematically controlled and vaccinated during the past six years. Without knowing anything about the dog-control programmes, it is unfit to make such statements in Parliament," Dr. Nanayakkara said.

"An amount of Rs. 200 million was allocated to control the dog population and to continue with the sterilization surgery programmes. But until now no funds have been received by the districts this year for equipment to continue with the sterilization surgery programmes," he said.

Many animal welfare organizations used to engage in sterilization surgeries on between 35,000 and 40,000 animals in the county annually. Dr. Nanayakkara claimed that certain officers attached to the Health Ministry did not even agree to join these organizations.

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Comments - 18

joshua Friday, 08 March 2024 09:36 AM

They get up in the morning and blabber something in Parliament. Nothing unusual in that Parliament

Walter Friday, 08 March 2024 12:05 PM

And you don't even get up but poke on your phone from your bed about a minister's statement made according to findings that he's got from sources. Do you even know what a nuisance stray dogs are to ordinary people?

R Saturday, 09 March 2024 09:48 AM

I BELIEVE THE STATE MINISTER WAS CONFUSED AND WAS REFERRING TO THE NO OF PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR GR

Mahendra Fernando Friday, 08 March 2024 09:42 AM

Why so concerned about tourists? These strays have been a menace for decades now. It's as if the lives and health of locals are not even important.

Wellwisher Friday, 08 March 2024 09:53 AM

Stray dogs are nuisance to people and safety of children’s ,there shouldn’t be any dog on the street .people can keep them as pet within their boundaries .in Srilanka dogs and dogs poo is everywhere . we don’t find any place clean due to this .Even the parks. We don’t see such dog population anywhere else specially in the public area and its a big negative for tourism too.

Wellwisher Friday, 08 March 2024 09:53 AM

Stray dogs are nuisance to people and safety of children’s ,there shouldn’t be any dog on the street .people can keep them as pet within their boundaries .in Srilanka dogs and dogs poo is everywhere . we don’t find any place clean due to this .Even the parks. We don’t see such dog population anywhere else specially in the public area and its a big negative for tourism too.

Gt Friday, 08 March 2024 01:31 PM

You sound like a nuisance to people and a danger to kids, you should stay in your house and not go outside, will solve your issues

Jayantha Friday, 08 March 2024 10:48 AM

Not much different than Organic Dr Pachadeniya. Go and see most of the roads in SriLanka and you will notice so many stray dogs. Specially check junctions and you will notice 4 to 6 groups at least. It is a dengerous thing and action should be taken by government. Dont listen to these vets. They are not practical people when it comes to serious issues just like most dr holding top posts.

DOT Friday, 08 March 2024 12:14 PM

Minister may be wrong, but what the hell you guys did on this significant national problem. Just reaction only!

Citizen k Friday, 08 March 2024 01:21 PM

As usual our minister has put his paw on his mouth.If we can adopt a stray, it will safeguard your house and also reduce the stray guard population .Instead of negative comments let do something about it.

Reez Friday, 08 March 2024 01:55 PM

Stray dogs pose a significant threat to public safety by causing frequent bike accidents across the entire island and contributing to the spread of diseases. It is imperative to address this growing menace promptly. To mitigate these issues, a proactive approach must be taken. Pet owners should be legally obligated to confine their dogs within their property boundaries, and strict penalties should be enforced for any violations. This measure aims to ensure responsible pet ownership and create a safer environment for both pedestrians and cyclists. By implementing and enforcing such regulations, we can not only reduce the incidence of bike accidents caused by stray dogs but also curb the potential health risks associated with the spread of diseases. It is a crucial step towards fostering a safer and healthier community for everyone on the island.

Defence Minister involved in Dog issues Friday, 08 March 2024 04:08 PM

First country in the world where a Defence minister is involved in a dog population issue. What are the subject ministers like Environment or wildlife doing. No wonder a big mess in the leadership of running the various ministries. No proper guidance.

Control Stray Dogs Accordingly Friday, 08 March 2024 04:17 PM

@GT - you seem to be using a vehicle from home and back. Those of us who walk on the roads and parks have many a time stepped on dog poo. Like in most countries, dog owners should clear up the poo and authorities need to round up the strays accordingly. Don’t wait for these strays to get out of hand, they will harm you, your family or the public.

Shera Friday, 08 March 2024 05:17 PM

People treat stray dogs like they are more valuable than human life. Feed the poor, hungry, orphans, disabled, seniors, the sick and homeless. It is more blessed to take care of humans because God commands it. He did not command to take care of stray dogs instead.

Nihal Friday, 08 March 2024 07:50 PM

When r adding that never believed the ministers exaggerating inflated figures . They never do research properly it is hear say or af hoc methods on any polls or study Unscientific .no wonder Sri Lanka makes blunders in all programs

Sambo Saturday, 09 March 2024 07:35 AM

I don't think he knows the population of this country. They just open their mouths and talk without facts and figures. Or a dead rope given by some peon.

Nikini J Saturday, 09 March 2024 09:18 AM

Pramitha must have been refereeing to the number of votes received by the Good Governance , which at the end went to dogs !

Buddhist Sunday, 10 March 2024 03:27 AM

May be the Deputy Minister included the Pohottuwa members and MPs as well!

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Vets dispute Pramitha Bandara’s stray dog population claim over data accuracy

Comments - 18

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