Mandaue beefs up anti-rabies drive

CEBU, Philippines - Irresponsible pet ownership remains the primary problem that hinders the government's anti-rabies campaign.

In Mandaue City, citation tickets will be issued to irresponsible pet owners who will refuse to have their pets vaccinated.

Mandaue City veterinarian Karen Sanchez-Merilles said incidence of dog bites in the city is high, expecting more incidents during summer if nothing will be done to compel pet owners to be responsible.

Merilles said pet owners who fail to register their pet dogs and have them vaccinated will be given citation. Violators will be fined P2,000.

In 2016, the Mandaue City health department recorded 5,083 patients treated for dog bites while close to 100 people already for the first quarter of 2017.

The city intensified its campaign after a seven-year-old boy in Barangay Paknaan died of rabies two weeks ago.

Joshua Andy Durias was bitten by a rabid dog of his neighbor on March 8. The boy died despite having been given anti-rabies shots.

Last January, at least 22 people were also bitten by a mad dog, which was tested positive of rabies, in Barangay Casuntingan. The dog was killed by the barangay officials after several hours of hunting.

Merilles said the city will also intensify its campaign against stray dogs, which will be euthanized or put to death by potassium chloride injections.

Under the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, local government units are mandated to strictly enforce dog impounding activities and field control to eliminate stray dogs and ensure that dogs are leashed or confined within the premises of the owner’s house or owner’s fenced surroundings. (FREEMAN)