BAGUIO CITY – Due to the unavailability of several concerned agencies, the free castration and spaying of cats and dogs has been re-scheduled to October 12 and 13 instead of October 5 and 6 while the free anti-rabies vaccination is still on September 28 to October 7. Those interested to avail of these services can register at the city veterinarian’s office (CVO) at the Slaughterhouse Compound, here.
City veterinarian Brigit Piok said the activities are conducted by the city government led by Mayor Mauricio Domogan thru her office to celebrate World Rabies Day and World Animal Day.
With World Rabies Day slated on September 28, she said this year’s theme to educate, vaccinate and eliminate, “emphasizes the crucial actions we have to undertake to be able to meet the global target of eliminating human deaths from dog mediated rabies by 2030”. She added that dog bite is the most common way of transmitting the deadly disease to man.
“There are a lot of dog bites that happen inside and outside the home. We need to be careful in handling our pets. We should know the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination and confining pets within the premises of our homes,” Piok stressed.
The city veterinarian warned that any dog found outside residential gates will be impounded by her office. She also appealed for people not to tie their pets along pathways where the public, especially school children, traverse.
The CVO reported that there were a total of 2094 dog bites in the city from January to August this year or an average of 261 per month.
Piok also explained that the celebration of World Animal Day on October 4 aims at raising awareness in creating a world where people can give full regard to the welfare of animals and remember the important role that they play in society./Gaby Keith
