World Animal Day is a beacon of hope and a call to action for animal lovers, welfare activists, and organisations across the globe. Celebrated on October 4th every year, this day seeks to raise awareness about the myriad species sharing this planet with us, emphasizing the need for compassionate and humane treatment towards all animals. Whether they are domesticated companions, wild creatures, or farm animals, each animal contributes significantly to the ecological balance and enriches our lives in unique ways.  

It is more than just a calendar event—it’s a global reminder of our responsibility towards the animals we share this planet with. It’s a day to reflect on the often-overlooked roles animals play in our ecosystems, lives, and societies. Animals, both domestic and wild, rely on us for protection and care, and this day urges us to do more to safeguard their well-being.

Having said that, emphasis must be laid on the fact that Animal or Human Welfare is not restricted to just one day of the year, but needs to be a part and parcel of daily life, factored into the very essence of policy-making in countries world over! World Animal Day is not just a one-day affair but a stepping stone towards creating lasting change in the way animals are treated and perceived. Through collective efforts, we can all work towards a more compassionate world where every creature is treasured, respected and valued.

Alas here in Sri Lanka we lack the fundamentals of Animal Welfare, in that we are yet to have an Animal Welfare Bill. In light of the current economic crisis and political upheavals where everything boils down to monetary gain, we have lost sight of sustainable economic growth. Short-term economic benefits must never be at the cost of environmental protection. Animals are an integral part of the environment; they perform a vital role in the prevention of biodiversity loss and habitat protection. It is a tragedy that the Animal Welfare Bill has been misinterpreted as an obstacle to agricultural growth, and some are delaying its enactment with flimsy excuses that the government will lose the votes of the farmers if animals used for agriculture are required to be treated humanely!!

Animal welfare in Sri Lanka faces several pressing concerns, many of which are tied to gaps in legal protection, human-wildlife conflict, and the treatment of domestic animals. Some of the most significant issues are:

Outdated Legal Framework
Sri Lanka’s animal welfare laws, primarily based on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907, are outdated and inadequate for addressing modern issues. These laws offer minimal penalties for animal cruelty and lack comprehensive regulations to protect both domestic and wild animals. The delayed passing of the Animal Welfare Bill, which aims to modernize these protections, remains a major concern.

Stray Dog Population
The large population of stray dogs, estimated to be in the millions, poses challenges in terms of public health, animal welfare, and human-animal conflict. Many stray dogs face neglect, starvation, and abuse. While vaccination and sterilization campaigns help manage the population and prevent diseases like rabies, the issue persists, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and humane solutions.

Human-Wildlife Conflict
Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, home to elephants, leopards, and other wildlife, is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and human encroachment. Elephant-human conflict is particularly severe, with elephants being injured or killed when they raid crops or enter villages, while people also suffer from property destruction and injuries. Protecting both human livelihoods and wildlife has become a complex issue that needs better management and long-term conservation strategies.

Treatment of Domesticated Animals
Domesticated animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock, often face neglect or cruelty. Instances of abandonment, inadequate shelter, lack of medical care, and poor treatment are common. Without strict legal consequences for animal cruelty, these problems are often ignored or left unaddressed.

Wildlife Exploitation
The illegal capture and trade of wildlife for the pet industry, traditional medicine, and status symbols remain ongoing issues. Species such as turtles, parrots, and other exotic animals are trafficked both locally and internationally. This exploitation contributes to the decline of vulnerable species and damages Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Lack of Public Awareness and Education
Public awareness of animal rights and welfare is growing but still insufficient. Educational campaigns on responsible pet ownership, wildlife conservation, and humane treatment of animals need to be expanded. A cultural shift toward recognizing animals’ inherent value beyond their utility is crucial for long-term welfare progress.

Post the Presidential Election, amidst fervent hopes for a New and Better Sri Lanka, the Political Resolve to address Animal Cruelty and  ensure a cleaner, greener  Sri Lanka must be clearly demonstrated – NOW.  NOT LATER. Policy formulation needs to embrace science and data. Understanding the concept of ecosystem services is pivotal. With this arises the need for the use of technology and investment. Building private sector and international partnerships is vital. 

In conclusion, while Sri Lanka has made strides in animal welfare, significant challenges remain. Legal reform, stronger enforcement, and a societal commitment to compassion are necessary to address these issues. The passage of the Animal Welfare Bill would be a vital step forward, as would the enhancement of education and public awareness initiatives.

THE NEED OF THE HOUR IN SRI LANKA 

• Prohibit the import of pedigree dogs, cats and exotic birds
• Shut down Puppy Mills
• Bring in laws to monitor Pet Shops 
• Monitoring of and clamping down on so-called Animal Welfare organizations that have embarked on animal welfare solely as a business.   
• Clamping down on drug addicts and others who sell dogs and cats for human consumption
• Make sterilizing and neutering mandatory 
• Ensure that govt funds allocated for sterilizing, neutering and vaccinating of street animals are carried out rigorously.
• Ensure that CNVR [ Catch, Neuter / Sterilise, Vaccinate ] is the rule rather than the exception
• Ensure that Elephant corridors are protected
• Ensure that Farm animals are free of abuse and malpractices
• Projects that harm the environment should not be entertained. 
• Govt to action a consistent tree planting campaign
• Entry to Wildlife Parks to be STRICTLY monitored 
• The Dehiwala Zoo to be completely overhauled with properly trained staff and humane practices in place
• All privately owned elephants be strictly monitored or returned to sanctuaries or the wild, with government funds allocated to ensure a smooth transfer    
• Urban wildlife such as porcupines, peacocks, water and land monitors, pelicans and so many other species need protection and have to have recourse to veterinary care and knowledge. 
• All so-called Development projects to be first evaluated as per their potential risk to animals and the environment and strict guidelines put in place
• Protection of our seas and the myriad life contained in them to be under strict surveillance and protection.

The list is endless but at least if the above is embarked upon even at this late stage, Sri Lanka can hold its head up high and claim that “Yes we are at last indeed on the path to true development”. 
https://rescueanimals.lk

By Anusha David