Controlling rabies

Today we digress to focus on a problem which may even assume national proportions if not tackled in the interim. According to our page one report yesterday quoting a health Ministry source Sri Lanka’s dog population has snowballed to a staggering 2.5 million. ie we have one dog for every 10 citizens.

It is also mentioned that there is a horrifying 2,000 dog bites each year and 29 deaths from rabies during the past eight months.

This number may further increase as the year draws to an end. Given the magnitude of the problem the Health Ministry is now contemplating introducing legislation to get dog owners put their animals on the leash under pain of prosecution.

Under the proposed Act dog owners will have to pay due attention to their pets in the form of inoculation and veterinary care whilst also ensuring they do not pose a danger to the public. There is presently a raging debate on the ways of handling stray dogs between animal lovers and those advocating ‘surgery’.

Our ‘readers columns’ are full of these debates on the question of dealing with our dog population. Predominant among them are accounts highlighting cruelty to dogs whilst there is another group calling for the elimination the stray dog menace.

Like the numerous associations that have sprung up today espousing various causes dogs too have found themselves lobby groups to fight for their rights. However the since the problem has assumed alarming proportions the Government cannot sit by and watch.

On the other hand it has also to take cognisance of many factors that affect our religious and cultural ethos. Being a predominantly Buddhist country we cannot adopt measures that may go against the teaching of Buddhism pertaining to treatment of animals.

At the same time the Government cannot ignore the dangers posed to the public as result of the burgeoning stray dog menace that is being frequently highlighted. Any action to control the spread of rabies therefore should be carefully thought out in a way so as not to hurt the sensitivities of the larger public.

The Government therefore has to tread the middle ground in finding a solution that would be acceptable to dog lovers while assuaging the concerns of the ‘hardliners’. It was also reported that the a whopping Rs.500 million of the country’s Health budget is spent on treating dog bites.

It is in this light that the decision of the Ministry to bring this legislation to ensure dog owners give due care to their pets should be viewed. The fear of prosecution would no doubt force dog owners to act with due diligence in administering the necessary vaccines and inoculations and ensure that the animals are kept indoors.

Here too there has to be a vigourous campaign to educate the casual dog owners, for it is they unlike genuine dog lovers who treat their pet almost as part of the extended family, who tend to let their animals roam the streets posing a danger to the public.

Time was when there were regular dog catchers operating under the local bodies, who captured the animal by a noose. The practice is no more due to protest over its cruel nature. Recently there was a huge outcry by dog lovers over the gassing of animals in dog pounds.

Westerners are known as great dog lovers and treat their pets with exaggerated care. Pet shops abound at every street corner in these countries which is an index of their bond with man’s best friend.

Similarly the Government with the assistance of local lobby groups should try to inculcate in our people the need to care for their pet dogs and shower them with love and affection.

This more than any legislation would ensure our canine population receive their due attention and upkeep.

Susanthika’s moment of glory

Sri Lanka sprint queen Susanthika Jayasinghe arrives today after bringing laurels to her Motherland with yet another international athletics medal and we are certain that every Sri Lankan would rise to salute the village lass from the country’s outback who put Sri Lanka once more on the world map with her astounding feat in Osaka.

The saga of Susanthika is one that should inspire not only would be athletes who would wish to emulate her one day but those in other fields and disciplines for her perseverance, courage, single minded purpose and self belief of fighting against the odds to attain glory.

It should also serve as catalyst and inspire those with lack of opportunity and influence to tread the path followed by the lass to surmount all obstacles and vicissitudes in pursuing that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, without vacillation or let up.

Her achievement we are sure will light up many faces in a country grappling with a conflict and stand as a beacon to those striving for recognition and emancipation from the dumps of poverty and deprivation.