Sri Lanka, Aug. 19 -- The "Guardians" programme, launched to encourage the public to care for street animals while taking responsibility for their health and welfare, is being introduced as a community-based approach to managing the country's stray animal population.

The initiative, launched by the Hakmana Pradeshiya Sabha together with Baw Baw Animal Welfare and the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, encourages people who feed community animals to become their "Guardians".

According to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, feeding a hungry animal is an act of compassion, but responsible animal welfare must go beyond providing food.

"Those who feed animals ha...