The rise in dog bite incidents across the country is largely attributed to an increasing stray dog population and a lack of public awareness on how to interact with animals, according to Dr. N.M.N. Darshanie Dissanayake, Director of Public Health Veterinary Services.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Dissanayake explained that since 2000, the Health Ministry has been implementing rabies eradication and dog population control programmes. Previously, the Rabies Ordinance allowed authorities to seize or euthanize stray and diseased dogs, but this practice was suspended in 2006 as a matter of government policy.
Since then, the focus has shifted to sterilization and vaccination efforts, with around 33,000 dogs being sterilized annually. However, Dr. Dissanayake emphasized that at least 100,000 sterilizations per year are necessary to manage the population effectively.
She noted that while the Health Ministry works to prevent rabies in humans, animal rabies control—including vaccination and sterilization—is the responsibility of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH).
Efforts like using Depo-Provera injections for birth control in dogs were attempted but eventually discontinued.
Dr. Dissanayake also underscored the importance of proper garbage disposal, as poorly managed waste attracts and sustains stray dog populations.
She called for community-based, organized action and highlighted the need for greater education—especially among children—on how to behave around animals to prevent bites. She urged the Education Ministry to take an active role in promoting awareness and safety around animals.
