‘Animal Welfare Bill could put fisheries, poultry and pet breeding in legal limbo’
By Ifham Nizam The proposed Animal Welfare Bill could have far-reaching legal and economic consequences for fisheries, poultry production, pet breeding and even small-scale ornamental-fish breeding, biodiversity expert Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda has warned. The long-awaited Bill, nearly two decades in the making, seeks to replace the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907 with […]
The Animal Welfare Bill, a long-awaited reform nearly two decades in the making, could create legal and economic uncertainties for sectors such as fisheries, poultry production, and pet breeding, warns biodiversity expert Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda. The Bill proposes replacing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907 with a modern framework for animal welfare. However, Pethiyagoda highlights several areas requiring revision to avoid unintended consequences.
One major issue is the Bill's sweeping definition of an "animal," which includes aquatic animals like fish, prawns, and crabs. Unlike livestock, commercial fisheries and aquaculture do not enjoy legal exemptions under the proposed law. Additionally, the Bill prohibits recreational activities involving injury or destruction to animals, potentially impacting recreational angling.
The fisheries sector, supporting a vast network of fishermen, traders, processors, and retailers, could face legal complications and economic repercussions. Similarly, poultry production, which benefits a wide range of businesses, could be affected by potential compliance costs. The Bill's licensing regime for pet shops and breeding centres might also burden ordinary households, particularly those breeding animals at home.
Pethiyagoda questions the Bill's ability to distinguish commercial breeding from occasional household breeding, suggesting excessive bureaucracy could undermine the intended welfare goals. The broader definition could also impact the breeding of ornamental fish in home aquariums, posing challenges for small-scale breeders.
Furthermore, provisions related to traditional animal use, such as elephants in religious and cultural events, may face interpretation challenges. The Bill's enforcement structure, with responsibilities assigned to the Director General of Animal Production and Health and Government Veterinary Surgeons, raises concerns about the appropriate roles and potential for abuse.
Lastly, the proposed Animal Welfare Advisory Committee's limited representation of registered animal welfare organizations adds to the concerns about the legislation's effectiveness.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
