Cabinet approves draft bill on rabies eradication and dog registration

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to publish in the Government Gazette a draft bill combining the Rabies Ordinance (Authority No. 476) and the Dog Registration Ordinance (Authority No. 477), aimed at eradicating rabies and strengthening dog registration laws. The new legislation seeks to control the dog population, make rabies vaccination for dogs mandatory, reinforce the legal framework for registration, clarify the powers and responsibilities of institutions tasked with these duties, and establish mechanisms for effective implementation. Approval for drafting the bill was first granted at the Cabinet meeting held on September 22, 2025. The Legal Draftsman has since prepared the draft, which has received clearance from the Attorney General. The Cabinet endorsed the proposal presented by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government to publish the draft bill in the Gazette and thereafter present it to Parliament for approval. (Newswire)