The proposed Animal Welfare Bill could significantly strengthen the legal protection of animals in Sri Lanka by replacing the outdated 1907 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, according to former National Zoological Department Director Ishini Wickremesinghe.

In a statement, Wickremesinghe urged Parliament to pass the Bill, describing stronger legal safeguards for animals as an essential requirement of a civilised society.

The proposed legislation introduces tougher penalties for animal cruelty, including fines of up to Rs. 250,000 and imprisonment of up to two years for offences such as torturing animals, depriving them of food, water or shelter, overworking them or abandoning them.

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