The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) celebrated International Veterinary Day (April 29) with a series of animal and community welfare programmes at key locations across the island.

Organised under the theme for the year ‘Veterinarians: The guardians of animal welfare’, aims to raise awareness of the contributions and the role played by veterinarians in protecting animal health and welfare, public health, and food safety.

“Amidst the challenges that we face today, it is more important than ever to ensure the welfare of animals. As we celebrate International Veterinary Day, we must recognize the critical role that veterinarians play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of animals, which in turn impacts our own health and the environment. Through our specially designed programs, we aim to spread awareness on the significance of responsible pet ownership, urban wildlife, and farmer education programs. By participating in these activities, we can come together as a community to promote the humane treatment of animals and ensure their welfare in a world that needs more compassion and kindness,” SLVA President Dr.Dilan Satharasinghe said.

The SLVA has organized several activities in different locations to mark this important day. The events include awareness programs for school children on responsible pet ownership and urban wildlife, farmer awareness programs, and dog sterilization and rabies vaccination programs.

Kicking off the series on April 24, the "Hathwana Peya" program on ITN highlighted the importance of veterinarians and their role in promoting animal health and welfare.

The initiative was followed by awareness programme on the ‘Prevention of dog bites through responsible pet ownership’ and ‘Urban wildlife’ for students of the All Saints Girl’s School (Colombo 8), Sangabhodi Vidyalaya (Thotalaga), Kattamurichhcana Vidyalaya (Thirappane), and Pethis Rabewa Vidyalaya (Thirappane), Devi Balika Vidyalaya (Colombo 08), Susumayawardana Boys College (Colombo 09), Wariyapola Sumangala Vidyalaya (Kandy), and C.W.W Kannangara Vidyalaya (Colombo 08), and Gothami Balika Vidyalaya (Colombo 08).

Additionally, the SLVA also organized dog sterilization and rabies vaccination programs on April 27 and 28 at Milleniya, Veterinary Hospital Rathnapura, VS office Kegalle, VS office Homagama/Kiriwatthuduwa Milk collecting Center, and Millaniya Divisional Secretariat Office.

Supporting in the farming community, the SLVA hosted awareness programmes on "Prevention of Mastitis" at Millaniya Divisional Secretariat Office.