Dog bite cases surge

A controversy has erupted over Sri Lanka’s rabies control and dog population management programmes, with the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population accusing Health Ministry officials of negligence and mismanagement.   

Association Advisor Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara claimed that the country’s dog population is rapidly increasing due to the failure to implement proper sterilisation programmes, despite significant budgetary allocations.   

“Only Rs. 27 million was utilised last year for dog population control programmes, although Rs. 200 million had been allocated. This irresponsible handling by Health Ministry officials has directly contributed to the increase in the dog population,” he alleged.   

Dr. Nanayakkara stressed that at least 70 percent of the dog population must be vaccinated in order to eradicate rabies from society. “To maintain that 70 percent vaccination coverage, there must be proper population control. Without sterilisation and responsible pet ownership, rabies control becomes impossible,” he said. He made these remarks in response to statements by Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, Community Physician Specialist of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, who revealed at a media briefing that nearly 250,000 animal bite incidents are reported annually in Sri Lanka, the majority involving dogs.   

Health authorities have also raised alarm over the continued rabies threat, confirming 14 deaths so far this year and urging the public to seek immediate medical treatment following any animal bite. Dr. Liyanapathirana noted that a rise in dog bite incidents, particularly in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, has contributed to the recent fatalities.   

However, Dr. Nanayakkara disputed the broader narrative, claiming that around 95 percent of reported bites are caused by domesticated animals. He argued that if a proper vaccination programme were in place for pets, hospital treatment would not be necessary in most cases.   

“The fact that 250,000 people are seeking hospital treatment annually shows there is a serious flaw in the rabies vaccination programme,” he charged.   

He further called on government veterinary officers to take greater responsibility in educating the public on responsible pet ownership and enforcing sterilisation programmes at the residential level.