The Animal Welfare Alliance has raised concern that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is preparing a policy to prioritize rabies vaccination programs while sidelining dog sterilization efforts.
The alliance cautioned that such a move could increase the stray dog population and ultimately result in mass killings.
Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an executive committee member of the Animal Welfare Alliance, said that documents related to the policy are scheduled to be submitted to the Minister of Health on Monday (15).
“If this policy is approved, sterilization programs may be suspended. This may lead to an increase in stray dogs and their killing in the future. Without sterilization, the government cannot control the dog population. It will be a serious problem,” he warned.
Dr. Nanayakkara explained that while vaccinating 70 percent of the existing dog population would help eliminate rabies, this target can only be achieved if the population is simultaneously reduced. “If the dog population increases, it may not be possible to reach the 70 percent mark. Neutering is essential,” he stressed.
The Animal Welfare Alliance alleged that the proposed policy was drafted without proper consideration of on-ground realities of rabies vaccination and sterilization programs. The group further claimed that neither local animal welfare organizations nor the Department of Animal Production and Health were consulted in the process.
Dr. Nanayakkara also warned that a rise in stray dogs could contribute to more road accidents and an increase in packs roaming urban areas. He further criticized the reliance on private veterinary officers in drafting the policy, arguing they are not actively engaged in field operations.
Highlighting international best practices, the Alliance noted that global animal welfare organizations recognize sterilization as equally important as vaccination in rabies control.
The group also criticized the Ministry of Health for what it described as years of failure in managing rabies control and vaccination programs. It stressed that the responsibility for eliminating rabies lies with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), in collaboration with the Department of Animal Production and Health, rather than with the Ministry of Health or WHO.
“Implementing policies without the guidance of the World Organization for Animal Health can create serious problems in the country. It may ultimately lead to the killing of these dogs in the future,” Dr. Nanayakkara warned.
