Sri Lanka, Sept. 15 -- There is no new "dog tax" and no provision to jail people for feeding stray dogs under Sri Lanka's newly gazetted Rabies Eradication and Dog Registration Act, Veterinary Surgeon and Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) Executive Member Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara said.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Nanayakkara said several claims circulating on social media about the new legislation were misleading and had created unnecessary public alarm.

He said dog registration was not a new requirement introduced by the Act, adding that local authorities already imposed nominal registration fees. The fee is currently Rs. 100 in the Colombo Municipal Council area and Rs. 300 in Anuradhapura, he said.

Dr. Nanayakkara said arrangem...