The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has called for amendments to several clauses in the newly proposed legislation on the vaccination and registration of dogs, warning that certain provisions could hinder ongoing efforts to control rabies in Sri Lanka.
GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Lasitha Kannangara raised the concerns during a press conference held in Colombo yesterday (2).
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has initiated steps to introduce the draft bill, aimed at strengthening measures to eradicate rabies, regulate the dog population and ensure the proper registration of dogs.
Under the proposed legislation, every dog within the relevant administrative areas would be required to be registered and vaccinated against rabies annually. The bill also seeks to regulate commercial dog breeding and introduce measures to control the local dog population.
However, the GMOA has expressed particular concern over a provision in Clause 4 of the draft legislation, which states that rabies vaccinations can only be administered by a veterinary surgeon or under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
Dr. Kannangara said the restriction could adversely affect existing vaccination programmes, particularly those carried out on a large scale, and could undermine the country's ongoing efforts to prevent rabies-related deaths.
The GMOA has therefore urged the authorities to reconsider the relevant provisions and make necessary amendments before the proposed legislation is introduced.
