The Department of Animal Production and Health has called on the public to act responsibly when feeding stray dogs, warning that doing so without proper care and ownership could hinder efforts to eliminate rabies in Sri Lanka.
Director General Dr. Sanjika Perera said individuals who choose to feed stray dogs should also accept responsibility for their welfare, stressing that rabies can only be eradicated by controlling the disease among the dog population.
Speaking at a four-day workshop in Katunayake, Dr. Perera announced that Sri Lanka is working towards eliminating rabies by 2030 through a national programme being implemented with the support of international organisations.
He noted that the country’s rabies control programme, launched in 1973, has significantly reduced annual deaths from around 360 to 14, largely due to widespread access to post-exposure vaccinations.
Despite this progress, Dr. Perera said dog bites remain common and the cost of providing anti-rabies treatment continues to place a considerable financial burden on the government.
He emphasised that the most effective long-term solution is to eliminate rabies among dogs through responsible ownership, vaccination and population management, which would ultimately protect communities while reducing healthcare costs.
