🐾 Cabinet Approves Rabies Eradication & Dog Registration Bill

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to merge the Rabies and Dog Registration Ordinances into a unified Bill, aimed at eliminating rabies deaths by 2030 and addressing public safety. • Financial & Medical Impact: Sri Lanka spends over Rs. 5 Billion annually on rabies prevention and control. Animal bites (mostly dogs and cats) make up 70% of accident-related outpatient hospital treatments, marking it a primary cause of emergency medical care. • Progress & Targets: Rabies fatalities dropped from 20 in 2024 to 14 in 2025, with 3 deaths reported in Q1 2026. Eradication targets require continuous vaccination of at least 70% of the island's dog population to halt virus transmission. • Key Provisions: Proposed by Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the framework mandates rabies vaccinations, improves legal dog registration, tightens population control, and defines the enforcement responsibilities of implementing institutions.