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For more than a century, Sri Lanka’s primary law protecting animals remained virtually unchanged. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907, enacted during the British colonial era, served as the country’s principal legislation against animal cruelty. While it was considered progressive at the beginning of the twentieth century, the law failed to keep pace with modern animal welfare standards, changes in livestock industries, scientific research, commercial breeding, pet ownership, and society’s evolving understanding of animal welfare.
That may finally be changing.
In June 2026, the Cabinet approved, and in July 2026, the Government gazetted the Animal Welfare Bill, paving the way for the repeal of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Chapter 475). The proposed legislation introduces a far broader legal framework aimed not only at preventing cruelty but also at promoting the welfare and wellbeing of animals throughout Sri Lanka. Unlike the century-old Ordinance, which largely focused on punishing obvious acts of cruelty, the new Bill recognizes that people have a legal duty to care for animals under their responsibility and to treat them humanely.
From preventing cruelty to promoting welfare
Perhaps the biggest philosophical change introduced by the new legislation is reflected in its objectives.
The old Ordinance was primarily a criminal law that prohibited certain acts of cruelty against animals. Its emphasis was on punishing offenders after cruelty had already occurred.
In contrast, the new Bill adopts a proactive approach. Its stated objectives include fostering kindness, compassion and responsible behaviour towards animals, protecting animals from cruelty, and recognizing a legal duty of care on the part of owners and those responsible for animals to ensure their welfare and wellbeing.
This represents a significant shift in legal thinking. Rather than merely asking whether an animal has been abused, the new law asks whether those responsible for it have taken reasonable steps to protect its wellbeing.
Animal welfare legislation in many countries- including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand- has evolved in a similar direction over the past two decades by incorporating the concept of a “duty of care.” Sri Lanka’s proposed law follows this international trend while adapting it to the local legal system.
A law written for another era
When the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance came into force in 1907, Sri Lanka-then Ceylon-was a vastly different country.
There were no commercial poultry industries housing hundreds of thousands of birds, no modern pet breeding businesses, no online pet trade, no laboratory animal research regulated by ethical standards, and no contemporary understanding of animal welfare science.
Consequently, the Ordinance dealt mainly with traditional forms of cruelty such as beating animals, overloading draught animals or causing unnecessary suffering. Its scope was relatively narrow and reflected the social and economic realities of the early twentieth century.
Today’s animal industries are considerably more complex. Companion animals, commercial breeding facilities, intensive poultry production, laboratory research, transport of livestock and animal-based entertainment all raise welfare concerns that the old law was never designed to address.
Recognising these changes, the new Bill expands the law far beyond the traditional offences found in the Ordinance.
Stronger definition of cruelty
One of the most striking differences between the two laws is the breadth of conduct now considered animal cruelty.
The proposed Animal Welfare Bill prohibits not only beating or torturing animals but also:
- overbreeding animals;
- forcing animals beyond their natural strength;
- transporting animals in ways that cause unnecessary suffering;
- confining animals in cages too small for normal movement;
- keeping animals chained with excessively short or heavy chains;
- intentionally depriving animals of food, water or shelter;
- neglect leading to starvation;
- poisoning animals;
- abandoning animals; and
- numerous other acts causing unnecessary pain or suffering.
These provisions reflect a modern understanding that cruelty is not limited to physical violence. Long-term neglect, poor housing, inadequate nutrition and improper confinement can be equally harmful to an animal’s welfare.
The Bill also introduces specific offences that did not exist- or were not comprehensively addressed- under the older legislation, including the cruel killing of animals, the intentional killing of pregnant animals except in limited circumstances, abandoning animals, unlawful restraint of birds, and allowing diseased or disabled animals to die in public places.
Penalties finally reflect the seriousness of animal cruelty
One of the strongest criticisms of the 1907 Ordinance was that its penalties had become meaningless over time.
Maximum fines prescribed under the colonial-era law were extremely small by modern standards- often amounts such as Rs. 100, reflecting the value of money more than a century ago. Inflation gradually rendered those penalties ineffective, reducing their deterrent value.
The new Animal Welfare Bill dramatically increases punishments.
For general cruelty offences, courts may impose fines of up to Rs. 250,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Cruel killing of an animal may attract fines of up to Rs. 500,000 and imprisonment for up to three years, while intentionally killing a pregnant animal may result in imprisonment for up to four years in addition to fines reaching Rs. 500,000.
The increase is more than symbolic. It signals a shift in how Sri Lanka views offences against animals- from relatively minor violations to crimes capable of attracting substantial criminal penalties
Setting standards for transporting animals
One of the major gaps in the century-old Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance was its lack of detailed provisions governing the transportation of animals. As livestock production expanded and the commercial movement of poultry, cattle and companion animals became increasingly common, concerns grew over animals being transported in overcrowded vehicles, exposed to harsh weather, deprived of food and water, or subjected to prolonged journeys.
The new Animal Welfare Bill addresses these issues by introducing an entire chapter dedicated to the humane transport of animals. It prohibits transporting animals in any manner that causes unnecessary pain, suffering or injury and establishes detailed responsibilities for transporters.
Among the new requirements are provisions ensuring that:
- animals are loaded and unloaded without injury;
- vehicles provide adequate space, ventilation and hygienic conditions;
- pregnant animals close to giving birth are generally not transported;
- vehicles are fitted with suitable loading ramps;
- journeys are completed without unnecessary delay;
- animals receive food, water and rest appropriate to the duration of travel; and
- long-distance transport includes opportunities for rest and care.
Failure to comply with these transport standards could result in fines of up to Rs. 300,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
These provisions represent one of the most practical reforms in the Bill, particularly given longstanding public concerns about the transport of cattle, poultry and other livestock across Sri Lanka.
Scientific research receives legal oversight
Perhaps one of the most significant additions absent from the 1907 Ordinance is a legal framework governing the use of animals in scientific research and education.
The new Bill recognises that experiments involving animals may continue for purposes such as medical research, disease control, pharmaceutical testing, improving productivity and teaching. However, it introduces an important ethical safeguard by requiring researchers to consider whether alternative methods are available before using live animals.
These alternatives include computer simulations, audio-visual learning tools, synthetic models, ethically sourced cadavers, and clinical experiences.
The Bill also empowers Animal Welfare Officers to inspect research institutions, examine records and ensure compliance with regulations governing animal experimentation. Violations may result in fines of up to Rs. 200,000 or imprisonment.
Although the legislation does not prohibit animal research altogether, it reflects internationally recognised ethical principles encouraging the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal use wherever possible.
Restrictions on cosmetic testing
Animal testing for cosmetic products has become increasingly controversial worldwide.
The proposed legislation prohibits the use of animals to test cosmetics, cosmetic ingredients or cosmetic products unless carried out for prescribed purposes.
However, the Bill later allows regulations to specify circumstances under which such testing may be permitted, meaning that the practical impact will depend on future regulations issued under the Act.
Compared with the 1907 Ordinance- which contained no provisions addressing cosmetic testing- this is a notable step towards regulating an area that barely existed when the colonial law was drafted.
Pet shops and breeding centres brought under regulation
Sri Lanka’s growing pet industry has largely operated without comprehensive national welfare legislation.
The new Bill seeks to change this by requiring every pet shop and pet breeding centre to obtain a licence from the relevant local authority before commencing operations.
Before granting a licence, local authorities must consider whether:
- animals have adequate space;
- proper ventilation and lighting are provided;
- food and water are available;
- infectious diseases are controlled;
- emergency plans are in place; and
- approval has been obtained from the Government Veterinary Surgeon.
Licences remain valid for twelve months and may be suspended or cancelled if operators provide false information or violate the Act.
The Bill also prohibits:
- selling pets on streets or public places; and
- selling animals as pets to children below sixteen years of age.
Individuals who break this law will have to face fines up to 200,000 rupees or three months’ imprisonment or both.
Such provisions did not exist under the old Ordinance, making this one of the most substantial expansions of the law.
Stronger action against organised cruelty
The Bill goes beyond individual acts of abuse by targeting organised activities that exploit animals for entertainment or sport.
It prohibits:
- sport hunting involving injury or killing of animals;
- shooting competitions using captive animals;
- events where one animal is set upon another;
- animal fighting and baiting; and
- supplying or training animals for such prohibited events.
Those convicted may face fines of up to Rs. 250,000, imprisonment or both.
Compared with the 1907 Ordinance, which addressed animal cruelty in much broader terms, the new Bill specifically identifies organised forms of cruelty that have become subjects of increasing public concern.
Important exemptions remain
While the Bill substantially strengthens animal protection, it does not prohibit all uses of animals.
Several important exemptions are included.
The provisions relating to cruelty do not apply to certain activities carried out in accordance with other laws, including:
- slaughter of animals for food;
- disease-control programmes;
- poultry depopulation during disease outbreaks;
- certain recognised livestock management practices;
- transport of poultry within the production chain;
- agricultural, cultural and religious activities that do not harm animals; and
- wildlife management undertaken under existing legislation.
Later sections also exempt lawful pest-control activities and reasonable measures taken to protect human life, livestock and crops.
These exemptions illustrate that the Bill seeks to improve animal welfare while continuing to accommodate agriculture, food production, disease control and wildlife conservation.
However, animal welfare advocates may closely scrutinise how these exemptions are interpreted once the law comes into force, particularly regarding commercial livestock and poultry operations. Much will depend on the detailed regulations the Minister is empowered to issue on livestock industries, breeding practices, animal transport, conditions in captivity and animal training.
Stronger enforcement powers
Laws protecting animals are only as effective as the institutions responsible for enforcing them. One of the major shortcomings of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance was its limited enforcement framework. While offences were defined, the legislation contained few mechanisms enabling authorities to proactively investigate, rescue animals or intervene before cruelty escalated.
The proposed Animal Welfare Bill significantly strengthens enforcement by designating Government Veterinary Surgeons as Animal Welfare Officers and granting them extensive investigative powers. The Bill also makes offences under the Act cognizable offences, allowing law enforcement authorities to commence investigations more effectively.
Subject to legal safeguards, Animal Welfare Officers- often accompanied by police officers- may enter and inspect premises where they reasonably suspect an offence has occurred, examine documents and electronic records, question individuals, and collect photographic or video evidence. In urgent situations where an animal’s welfare is at immediate risk or evidence may be destroyed, officers may take action before obtaining a court warrant, provided they subsequently report to the Magistrate’s Court within twenty-four hours.
These provisions reflect a shift from a reactive enforcement model to one that allows authorities to intervene before suffering becomes irreversible.
Introducing Animal Welfare Directions
Another innovative feature absent from the 1907 Ordinance is the introduction of Animal Welfare Directions.
If an Animal Welfare Officer finds that an animal is being neglected, deprived of food, water or shelter, suffering excessive pain, lacking veterinary treatment or being worked while unfit, the officer may issue a written direction requiring the owner or person responsible to remedy the situation.
The direction may require the owner to:
- provide food and water;
- obtain veterinary treatment;
- improve living conditions;
- relocate the animal; or
- refrain from moving the animal until further notice.
Failure to comply without reasonable cause could result in fines of up to Rs. 250,000.
This provision focuses on correcting welfare problems before they become criminal offences, offering authorities an additional regulatory tool beyond prosecution alone.
Courts receive broader powers to protect animals
The proposed legislation also expands the role of the judiciary.
Magistrates may order animals involved in cruelty investigations to be placed in the temporary care of an animal care centre, a recognised animal welfare organisation or another suitable person while investigations and court proceedings continue.
Upon conviction, courts may order:
- forfeiture of the abused animal;
- forfeiture of vehicles, weapons or equipment used to commit the offence; and
- reimbursement of expenses incurred in caring for rescued animals.
Importantly, the Bill also allows authorised representatives of recognised animal welfare organisations to intervene in court proceedings to safeguard the interests of animals involved in legal cases.
These provisions provide stronger legal protection for rescued animals while ensuring that offenders may also bear the financial consequences of their actions.
Establishing an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee
Unlike the colonial-era Ordinance, the proposed Bill recognises that animal welfare requires continuous policy development rather than relying solely on criminal prosecutions.
To achieve this, it establishes an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee comprising representatives from multiple government agencies, veterinary professionals, universities, registered animal welfare organisations, laboratory animal specialists, and representatives of the poultry and livestock industries.
The Committee will advise the Minister on:
- implementation of the Act;
- development of a National Animal Welfare Policy;
- public awareness programmes;
- humane education;
- standards for laboratory animal use; and
- future regulations required under the legislation.
This multi-stakeholder approach reflects the understanding that animal welfare involves veterinary science, agriculture, environmental management, education, research and law enforcement rather than being solely an animal rights issue.
A modern law- but implementation will determine its success
Compared with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907, the proposed Animal Welfare Bill represents the most comprehensive reform of Sri Lanka’s animal protection laws in more than a century.
It modernises penalties that had become outdated, introduces the concept of animal welfare rather than merely preventing cruelty, regulates industries previously outside the scope of the law, strengthens enforcement mechanisms and recognises that those responsible for animals owe them a legal duty of care.
Nevertheless, legislation alone cannot eliminate cruelty.
Many of the Bill’s provisions will require detailed regulations before they can be fully implemented. The Minister is empowered to make regulations covering livestock industries, breeding practices, animal transport, conditions in zoos, aquaria, performing animals, boarding kennels, animal training, animal experimentation, stray animal management and animal care centres.
The effectiveness of the law will therefore depend not only on its passage but also on how these regulations are drafted, how well enforcement agencies are resourced, and whether authorities consistently investigate and prosecute offences.
Public awareness will also play a critical role. Owners, farmers, transport operators, pet breeders, researchers and commercial animal enterprises will need to understand their new legal responsibilities if the legislation is to achieve its intended objectives.
A significant milestone- but not yet the final step
The gazetting of the Animal Welfare Bill marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s long-awaited effort to modernise its animal welfare laws. By replacing legislation that dates back to 1907 with a far more comprehensive legal framework, the Bill reflects changing public attitudes towards animal welfare and aligns more closely with contemporary international standards.
However, the Bill has not yet become law.
Following its publication in the Gazette, it must still be presented to Parliament, where Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to debate its provisions, propose amendments if necessary, and vote on its passage. Only after Parliament approves the Bill and the Speaker certifies it by endorsing his signature, in accordance with Sri Lanka’s legislative process, will it become the Animal Welfare Act and acquire legal force.
Until then, Sri Lanka continues to be governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, a colonial-era law enacted nearly 119 years ago. Whether the proposed legislation ultimately fulfils its promise will depend not only on parliamentary approval but also on the country’s commitment to implementing and enforcing one of the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in its legal history.
References
https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ua7ruTXmebiv6OS5oxa4
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