Stray dogs even in Parliament premises; Deputy Minister questions effectiveness of sterilisation

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Colombo, May 22 (Daily Mirror) - Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni raised questions on the effectiveness of the sterilisation programmes, claiming that if the programme is successful, there cannot be stray dogs everywhere, even in Parliament.

The Deputy Minister told Parliament that stary dogs were seen everywhere adding that stray dogs have even entered the Parliament premises despite heavy security.

Responding to a question by MP L.M. Abeywickrama, who said that the stray dog population has increased remarkably in the recent past due to the suspension of sterilisation programmes.

Deputy Minister Wijemuni said the Health Ministry spend Rs. 800 million annually for rabies treatment, sterilising dogs and other related expenses.

"Rs. 280 million is spent annually to treat dog bites, Rs.180 million for vaccinating dogs  and Rs. 200 million for sterilisation. We need to review the cost effectiveness of the programmes. We have questions about the output of the sterilisation programme. If the sterilisation programme is successful, there cannot be stary dogs everywhere. Stary dogs have even entered parliament premises despite intensive checking," he said.

The Deputy Minister said a national programme is required to find solutions to the issue.