A free sterilisation and vaccination programme has covered almost the entire stray and community dog population in the Tangalle Municipal Council area within three months, the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population said.
The programme is intended to reduce unwanted litters, prevent suffering among street dogs and support a healthier community through population control.
The association said today marks the final day of this month’s round, with free sterilisation and vaccination available for community dogs.
Residents who care for community dogs have been encouraged to bring them forward for treatment. The association said people do not need to own a dog to take part.
“Caring for a community dog is caring for our community. Together, we can prevent suffering, reduce the number of unwanted puppies and build a better future for both animals and people,” the association said.
Context
Sri Lanka manages its street dog population primarily through catch-neuter-vaccinate-release programmes rather than culling, an approach adopted as part of the national rabies elimination effort. Sterilisation reduces litters over time while vaccination maintains immunity in the free-roaming population.
Municipal-level drives of this kind are usually run in partnership between local authorities, veterinary associations and animal welfare groups, and depend heavily on residents presenting dogs they feed but do not formally own.
