The Animal Welfare Coalition of Sri Lanka, set up with the objective of advocating and lobbying for a new animal welfare bill organised a consultation on Monday August 08, 2016 in Colombo. The discussion was held with the objective of creating and raising awareness on the topic among community service organisations, policymakers and general public. Veterinary doctors, lawyers, policymakers, activists, animal shelter groups and media attended the consultation.

“It is important for the parliament to pass the Animal Welfare Bill as it looks into a series of concerns such as the transportation of animals, humane slaughter and also provides the foundation to establish the relevant authorities for the cause,” said Parliament Member Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero who also initiated the Bill through a private member Bill in Parliament.

The consultation also sought to obtain an update on where Sri Lanka is on the Bill, and also the policies that existing that could be linked with the work on the Bill.

“The Ministry has incorporated public comments to the Animal Welfare Bill and redrafted the same. It is currently awaiting the cabinet’s approval. Following this, we are able to bring in a regulation for the commercial breeding of dogs and implement and localise standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE),” said Dr Sam Daniels, Consultant to the Ministry of Social Services, Welfare and Livestock Development.

Speaking on the need for a new Animal Welfare Bill, Convener of Animal Welfare Coalition, Attorney-at-Law, Vositha Wijenayake said, “ It is important that the Animal Welfare Bill is enacted to ensure effective and efficient laws on cruelty to animals in Sri Lanka. The current law dates back to 1907, and lacks in deterrent effect which prevents protection of animals against cruelty.”

The Animal Welfare Coalition founded in 2015 also aims to work on effective implementation of the Bill once enacted, and addressing issues that violate the protection of animal welfare.