World Animal Day Policy Proposal for the Management and Welfare of Dogs and Cats

World Animal Day falls in October. Here Animal activists focus on management and welfare of dogs and cats in Sri Lanka.  

The presence of stray dogs and cats in Sri Lanka is a complex issue that requires a balanced and compassionate approach. These animals, once domesticated by humans, depend on us for their survival. They are not a problem to be eradicated but members of our community with whom we must coexist harmoniously. The population of stray dogs and cats has increased significantly, despite ongoing efforts to control it. Furthermore, these animals endure considerable suffering due to hunger and a range of illnesses.

This issue impacts Sri Lanka's image as a travel destination and undermines its potential to be recognized as a compassionate nation that upholds the humane values of enlightened societies worldwide.

In 2007, the government implemented a policy that prohibited the killing of stray dogs and cats and instead introduced a humane population control method through a spay/sterilization/neuter program. While this approach yielded some positive results, it was not fully successful due to improper management by the government and negligence by the community. According to Buddhist principles, the  policy is essential for practicing ahimsa, and controlling unwanted births is the least harmful method for the animals involved.

Submitted: 29 November 2024 Comprehensive Policy Proposal for the Management and Welfare of Stray Dogs and Cats in Sri Lanka 

We hope that the new government will launch an effective programme that will alleviate this serious situation. By adopting these measures enumerated below, Sri Lanka can effectively address the stray animal crisis, improve the welfare of street animals, and project itself as a compassionate and humane nation. 

We hereby give the following suggestions with the expectation of offering our full cooperation in achieving these goals:

Prevention of zoonotic diseases through control of the animal population should be entrusted to the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH). Currently, the programme is managed by the Health Department, which is not the appropriate authority. As a result, the programme has not been successful.

Through laws and regulations, a registration system should be established to ensure that adopted animals are spayed, sterilized, or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. We recommend implementing rules or bylaws, along with a fine system for those who fail to comply with these regulations. Rabies vaccinations should be offered free of charge at Government facilities.

Dumping dogs and cats including kittens and puppies on roads or public places should be strictly prohibited, with severe punishments enforced.

A comprehensive spay/sterilization/neuter program should be implemented nationwide under the management of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), in collaboration with local governments. It is crucial to ensure that animal welfare organizations are kept informed and involved, offering assistance as needed. As emphasized by experts, such programmes require careful planning and adequate funding to ensure their success.

The surgery teams must be adequately staffed, and veterinary professionals should have access to essential resources, including but not limited to surgical autoclaves, multiple surgical kits, and appropriate analgesic drugs. Past administrations have underfunded such initiatives, prioritizing numerical targets over animal welfare. This has resulted in poor surgical standards, unacceptable welfare outcomes—including preventable deaths—and significant health risks to both human and animal populations. Overuse of antibiotics in such circumstances can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a serious health threat. It is imperative that future programmes address these issues by prioritizing animal welfare, ensuring the highest standards of care, and providing the necessary resources. Dog Star Sri Lanka is willing to discuss these matters with relevant government departments to ensure the Programme’s success.

The government must establish and maintain veterinary clinics in all major towns, operating 24/7, to provide emergency care for street animals. These clinics should be adequately resourced to treat stricken animals, including accident victims, to prevent unnecessary suffering on roads and in public areas. 

Public campaigns should emphasize coexistence with stray animals, countering harmful narratives that frame them as a 'burden' or 'crisis'. The government should provide full support to organizations and shelters that promote humane care and management of stray animals. Additionally, police cooperation must be strengthened to ensure that reports of animal cruelty are taken seriously and necessary actions are enforced. Together, these measures will foster a culture of compassion while improving enforcement of animal protection laws.

Impose taxes on the import of pedigree breed dogs/cats. Pedigree breed animals have a significant economic impact due to imported food, medicine, grooming products, and other items. These should be treated as luxury items after approval of policy and enactment, with a tax ranging from LKR 100,000 to 500,000 depending on the breed. However, this should not impact allowing returning residents or those relocating to Sri Lanka or leaving Sri Lanka to bring in or take out their pets or adopted pets.

Breeding Centers Laws should prohibit unlicensed breeding of pedigree breeds for commercial purposes. Licensed breeding centers must be closely monitored and taxed per puppy bred to ensure accountability and humane practices. Without proper regulation, many pedigree dogs are abandoned once they are no longer capable of breeding, left to survive on the streets, or euthanized in inhumane ways, such as poisoning. Strict enforcement of these regulations will help reduce exploitation and prevent such cruel outcomes.

Local authorities should not set up shelters, as their lack of expertise often leads to overcrowding, suffering, and even death camps for animals. Instead, the government should prioritize providing support to experienced no-kill NGOs that specialize in caring for stray and disabled animals. 

Enhance police training on animal-related laws and enforcement. It is evident that many police officers lack sufficient knowledge of animal- related ordinances, acts, rules, and bylaws. We strongly recommend organizing workshops to educate police officers on these matters. Justice for Animals and Nature is willing to volunteer its expertise to conduct these training sessions. This initiative will ensure that animal cruelty reports are handled effectively, strengthening enforcement mechanisms for animal protection.

Public campaigns should emphasize coexistence with stray animals. Additionally, police cooperation must be strengthened to ensure that reports of animal cruelty are taken seriously and necessary actions are enforced.

The Ministry of Education should play a key role in fostering compassion by ensuring that students at all levels, including universities and technical colleges, visit animal shelters around the country. These visits will help students understand the challenges faced by street cats and dogs and instill values of empathy, care, and responsibility toward all living beings. Together, these measures will build a more compassionate society and improve enforcement of animal protection laws.

Railway authorities and public bus services should allow the transport of animals in proper crates, accompanied by a human traveller. Currently, such transport is prohibited, forcing economically disadvantaged communities to bear exorbitant costs when transporting animals, such as injured ones needing urgent veterinary care or those being moved for possible adoption.Allowing regulated and humane animal transport on public services would alleviate these challenges and promote fairness and compassion.

The following organizations and entities endorse or present this proposal:

I. Animal Rights Protection Force

II. Animal SOS Sri Lanka

III. Animal Welfare Trust

IV. Animals Welfare and Protection Association

V. Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka

VI. Dharmavijaya Foundation

VII. Dogs Star Foundation

VIII. Himansha Padanama

IX. Justice for Animals and Nature

X. Light of Asia Foundation

XI. Methsisila Abhayadana

XII. Otarafoundation (Embark)

XIII. Ratnapura Avihinsavadi Tharuna Sangamaya

XIV. Rescue Animals Sri Lanka

XV. Sathwa Mithra Sanvidhanaya

XVI. Saving Sri Lanka Strays

XVII. Sri Bodhiraja Foundation

XVIII. Sri Lanka Avihinsavadi Maha Sangamaya