A new Bill aimed at eradicating rabies in Sri Lanka, registering dogs and controlling the dog population has been presented to parliament today (24) by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.
The Elimination of Rabies and Registration of Dogs Draft Bill seeks to regulate dog vaccination and population control measures to completely eradicate rabies from the country, impose stricter regulations on the commercial breeding of dogs and establish a proper system for dog registration.
It also provides for the establishment of a National Advisory Committee and Regional Advisory Committees for the eradication of rabies.
The Bill repeals the Rabies Ordinance (Chapter 476) and the Dogs Registration Ordinance (Chapter 477).
It also provides for matters connected with or incidental to the above provisions.
Meanwhile, the second reading of the Bill is scheduled to be held tomorrow (25).