Speaking at the World Rabies Day Appreciation Awards held in Anuradhapura, AWC Executive Committee Member Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara highlighted the challenges faced during the campaign. “People cannot offer elephants to temples, so they bring puppies instead. Some businessmen have even paid others to release dogs near temples,” he said.
The AWC initiated the programme by identifying 30 key locations within the Anuradhapura Municipal Council limits. Over two years, sterilisation and vaccination were carried out on nearly 80% of the dog population. The operation, which began within a two-kilometre radius, gradually expanded to ten and later fifteen kilometres from the town centre.
Dr. Nanayakkara noted that the project was completed without government funding but was supported by the Anuradhapura Urban Council, Justice For Animals Sri Lanka, and local residents. He commended the community for its cooperation, which he said was crucial in achieving this significant milestone.
