By Emmanuel Solis/PNA
LEGAZPI CITY — The City Veterinary Office (CVO) here is targeting 20,000 dogs to be vaccinated against rabies this year.
Veterinary Officer Dr. Nancy Andes, in an interview on Monday, said she has directed all Barangay Health Workers (BHW) of the 70 villages of this city to list the names of dog owners and number of dogs in their respective villages as part of their preparation for a high density anti-rabies vaccination program that would start in February.
She noted that all the pet owners in the city are required to register their dogs at their respective barangay halls and have their pets vaccinated starting at the age of three months. Likewise, dog owners are encouraged to consult the city veterinarian regarding the health status of their animals.
Last year, the CVO was able to vaccinate 19,625 out of the total 20,816 dogs in the city, which is a 94 percent accomplishment rate.
High density anti-rabies vaccination is an annual activity of the CVO that seeks to maintain Legazpi’s status as a zero-rabies locality.
Aside from vaccinating dogs, Andes said her office will also conduct all year round impounding of stray dogs to prevent the spread of rabies in the community.
She said she will ask barangay leaders to strictly implement the city’s Anti-Rabies Ordinance to eliminate dog bite cases.
Pet owners who violate the ordinance shall pay a fine of PHP1,000 or face imprisonment of five to 10 days for the first offense while second time offenders will have to pay PHP2,000 or face imprisonment of 15 to 20 days. Those who do not comply with the ordinance for the third time will have to pay a fine of PHP3,000 or be imprisoned for 25 to 30 days.
