Amaraweera weakening Animal Welfare Bill: Veterinarians’ association

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association has claimed that Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera is attempting to weaken the new Animal Welfare Bill with amendments they argue are unconstitutional. 

According to a social media post by the association, the Attorney General's Department has stated that these amendments cannot be included.

The new Animal Welfare Bill was approved by the Cabinet in February 2022, but it took two and a half years to bring it to parliament. The association mentioned that some Ministers have repeatedly raised the same questions to stall the bill, and many do not understand that the legal aspects of the bill do not negatively impact anyone.

Despite these obstacles, the Animal Welfare Bill was scheduled for debate in parliament today. In a government party meeting on July 8, false information was allegedly presented, suggesting that the bill would create problems for farmers.

The association is urging animal lovers to oppose the Minister's amendments, emphasizing that the Animal Welfare Bill is balanced and does not interfere with the meat industry or cultural practices. They believe some Ministers might be trying to fulfill personal contracts by opposing the bill.