This is part VIII of my 3-month journey in Sri Lanka, as a volunteer for WECare Worldwide.
“98% of Sri Lankans hate dogs,” a Sri Lankan colleague once told me.
“No way,” I thought, dismissing it as a joke. “He’s just toying with the naive foreigner.”
My coworkers often competed to see who could get foreigners to believe the most outlandish claims. How could there be a nation where almost everyone hates man’s best friend? After all, dogs are universally adored. I spend hours scrolling through dog videos on Instagram. South Koreans buy more dog strollers than baby strollers. Americans bring their canine companions to fine dining establishments.
However, after two months in Sri Lanka, I began to question my initial skepticism.
My experiences with our community dog, Ingrid, illuminated the complex relationship between Sri Lankans and canines. During our pre-dinner shopping trips, locals would quickly make way for her, often with sharp turns to avoid contact. The friendly smiles directed at me never extended to Ingrid. Only the street dogs seemed interested in her presence.
Shopping with Ingrid could be stressful. Her curiosity led her to wander into restaurants, nosing around the food. This behavior resulted in dirty looks from shopkeepers. Most shooed her away. Once, an egg vendor even attempted to hit her. These incidents made me wonder if there was some truth to my colleague’s statement.
Curious, I turned to research for answers. A study in rural Anuradhapura revealed that 41% of households own a dog – a significant percentage that seemed to contradict the idea of widespread dog hatred. However, ownership doesn’t necessarily equate to affection on this island.
Working in the CNVR (catch-neuter-vaccinate-return) recovery pen provided eye-opening insights. Street dogs and owned dogs lay side-by-side after surgeries, revealing that both faced similar welfare challenges. I was often appalled by the condition of some owned dogs, covered in fleas and ticks, bearing unhealed wounds. Surprisingly, some street dogs appeared healthier.
The treatment of owned dogs raised questions. Many were collared with mere ropes or dragged to the CNVR clinic by an iron chain. Some dogs showed reluctance to leave the comfort of the recovery area when their owners arrived. This made me ponder the quality of care these “pets” received at home.
Further research painted a clearer picture. In Sri Lanka, 93% of owned dogs live outside, with at least a third free to roam. In the fishing village where I stayed, I rarely saw locals walking their dogs. When I walked the hospital dogs, locals seemed amused, as if wondering why I was exerting myself when the dogs could roam freely.
Indeed, the line between owned and street dogs in Sri Lanka is often blurred. Many keep dogs primarily for security, stationing them outside. This practice contributes to the country’s significant street dog population, which is a source of concern for many residents.
Over half of Sri Lankans report being annoyed by street dogs, with over 80% supporting euthanasia for strays. The reasons are understandable. Hygiene issues are particularly concerning in a country where flip-flops are the national footwear. Aggressive behavior and the risk of rabies are genuine worries.
I experienced this firsthand. Street dogs would often “escort” me home, following closely at my heels to ensure I didn’t linger in their territory. A colleague was bitten by a street dog, necessitating a hospital visit for rabies treatment. Sri Lankans are well aware of these risks from a young age. Even pet dogs aren’t spared from conflicts with street dogs, nor are wild animals – Ingrid once famously chased away a pack of wild boars.
However, the relationship is more nuanced than it first appears. A survey in neighboring India revealed that those living closest to street dogs often hold more complex views. They recognize both the nuisance and the security benefits these animals provide. While supporting euthanasia for problematic dogs, they also view the coexistence with free-roaming dogs as natural and unchangeable.
Interestingly, 37% of Sri Lankans have adopted a stray as a pet, suggesting a level of compassion amid the perceived animosity. As I prepared Ingrid’s dinner each night, I was reminded that many households share their meals with their dogs, especially in areas lacking access to commercial dog food.
In my view, the claim that “98% of Sri Lankans hate dogs” is certainly an exaggeration. Yet, it’s clear that the relationship between Sri Lankans and dogs – especially street dogs – is a complex mix of coexistence, avoidance, and occasional compassion. This dynamic is shaped by cultural norms, practical concerns, and individual experiences. It differs significantly from Western perceptions of pet dogs, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges all our preconceptions.
This is part VIII of my 3-month journey in Sri Lanka, as a volunteer for WECare Worldwide.