A Long Waiting Hope of Integrating Animal Interests into our Legal System: A Critical Analysis on Animal Welfare Laws of Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Domestic Animals

Abstract

We live in a society where human rights are highly valued. However, many stories in relation to animal welfare and animals’ rights remain shocking and appalling without any concern. Sri Lanka is a country where there is a long tradition of kindness and respect for animals that has been extended across many horizons. But today, many heinous stories relating to animal abuse are heard very often. From a legal perspective, the concept of animal welfare has become a mere dream because of the current laws. Action in terms of law, policy, and public awareness is needed now more than ever. The current law relating to animal protection is inadequate, archaic, and does not address modern trends in animal welfare. The current law is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance No. 13 of 1907. Sri Lanka’s animal lovers have waited for years with hope for the new Animal Welfare Act to become law, yet it has still not become law. Many published and hidden stories relating to animal cruelty and abuse take place day by day. The acts of cruelty belong to both intentional and negligent acts of humans. The lack of a proper legal regime to protect animals from cruelty has become one of the major root causes of the increase in animal cruelty. Relying on the qualitative method of research, the researcher intends to critically evaluate the prevailing law relating to animal welfare in Sri Lanka. with hope for the new Animal Welfare Act to become law, yet it has still not become law. Many published and hidden stories relating to animal cruelty and abuse take place day by day. The acts of cruelty belong to both intentional and negligent acts of humans. The lack of a proper legal regime to protect animals from cruelty has become one of the major root causes of the increase in animal cruelty. Relying on the qualitative method of research, the researcher intends to critically evaluate the prevailing law relating to animal welfare in Sri Lanka.