Sri Lanka Mandates Annual Dog Registration, Imposes Rs. 2,000 Fine

Annual registration of dogs is now mandatory in Sri Lanka following the gazetting of a new bill by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The legislation aims to eradicate rabies, control the dog population, and regulate commercial breeding. Owners of dogs over six weeks old must ensure their pets receive annual rabies vaccinations and are registered with local authorities. Failure to comply with the registration requirement will incur a fine of Rs. 2,000. The new act also establishes a national advisory committee for rabies eradication and mandates a dog census every five years.