The Ministry of Agriculture has made the decision to impose harsher penalties for cattle theft, with a fine of Rs. 100,000 and a minimum of one year of rigorous imprisonment for the offense.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed officials from the Livestock Development Division to amend the Animal Welfare Act to include these provisions.
The Ministry has reported a rise in cattle thefts across the country, prompting the need for stronger measures. Currently, the maximum fine for cattle theft under the existing Animal Welfare Act is Rs. 50,000, with no mention of imprisonment for the offense.
In response to a request made by MP Udaya Gammanpila, a discussion was held at the Ministry with representatives from animal welfare associations to discuss amendments to the Animal Welfare Act. Minister Amaraweera emphasized the importance of including new clauses that address the increase in dairy cattle theft and introduce stricter punishments for cattle thieves.
As a result, the Minister has proposed increasing the current fine to Rs. 100,000 for the theft of a dairy cow, along with the introduction of provisions for a one-year rigorous imprisonment.
