The Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha has introduced a programme to implant microchips in stray dogs so that information on the animals can be gathered and maintained.
Under the system, authorities can access full details of an animal, including its vaccination status and condition, if a dog bite occurs or such information is needed for any other purpose. The chips will also allow officials to track and identify an animal’s location.
Ownerless stray dogs are a common sight across the island, and even the tourist city of Galle is currently struggling with large numbers of roaming street dogs. Collecting accurate data and statistics on these animals has long been difficult, which prompted the new initiative.
Separately, a programme to eradicate rabies through the vaccination and registration of dogs was recently held at the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council Hall.
