All dog owners must obtain government registration

The new draft bill on 'Rabies Eradication and Dog Registration', prepared by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, aiming to eradicate rabies throughout the island, systematically control the dog population, and mandatorily register every dog, has been published in the Government Gazette. This initiative repeals the currently effective old Rabies Ordinance and the Dog Registration Ordinance, thereby establishing a timely and stringent legal framework.

According to the new proposals, it is mandatory for owners or guardians to annually vaccinate every dog over six weeks of age against rabies and register it with the relevant local government authority by paying the prescribed fees. This vaccination must be carried out under the full supervision of a government or registered veterinarian, and upon presenting the official vaccination certificate issued for it, a registration number and certificate can be obtained from the relevant local government authority.

Owners who fail to present these certificates when requested by an authorized officer will be granted a 14-day grace period for this purpose. If they fail to register within that period, a fine of Rs. 2,000 will be imposed in addition to the prescribed fee. Thereafter, the relevant local government authority itself will take steps to vaccinate and register the animal. Furthermore, the new act also provides for taking legal action before a Magistrate's Court against individuals who abandon dogs in public places, with penalties including a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months, or both.

The breeding of dogs and the sale of puppies for commercial purposes are fully regulated, and operating dog breeding centers without an official license obtained from a local government authority is completely prohibited. In such licensed establishments, providing adequate space, hygiene, food, and water for the animals is mandatory. Furthermore, local government authorities must take action to sterilize stray dogs within their jurisdiction through veterinarians, and the owner is fully responsible for any aggression or damage caused by a dog. This also mandates that all dogs brought into the country from abroad must be quarantined for a minimum period of 30 days.