SriLanka, Sept. 13 -- Dog owners who fail to register their animals could face a Rs. 2,000 fine in addition to the applicable registration fee under a proposed new Bill.

The legislation, gazetted by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, seeks to introduce an annual dog registration system as part of efforts to eradicate rabies and control the country's dog population.

Under the Bill, owners or persons having custody of dogs over six weeks old will be required to have them vaccinated against rabies and registered annually with the relevant local authority.

A dog will be registered only after it has been vaccinated and the prescribed fee has been paid, following which a registration certificate ...