MALAY, Aklan – A local ordinance prescribing policies on pet dog ownership and registration for the proper dispensation of anti-rabies vaccines was approved recently.
This will strengthen Malay’s rabies prevention and control program in consonance with Republic Act (RA) 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, said Sangguniang Bayan member Malynn Aguirre Graf.
RA 9482 mandates multi-agency actions in controlling and eliminating rabies with component activities via mass vaccination of dogs, impounding, field control and disposition of unregistered and stray dogs, and establishment of a central database system for registered and vaccinated dogs, among others.
“With the new ordinance, medical problems caused by rabies due to dog bites will be resolved. The ordinance prohibits stray, unwanted and unvaccinated dogs from roaming in public places. It protects the residents from the danger of rabies. Responsible pet ownership is also established,” said Graf.
Rabies is a highly fatal disease caused by a lyssa virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and is characterized by muscle paralysis, hydrophobia and aerophobia, and other neurological manifestations.
The Office of the Municipal Agriculturist is urging pet owners to submit their dogs for mandatory registration in the barangay and have their dogs regularly vaccinated against rabies.
The local government of Malay is also enforcing strict dog impounding to eliminate stray dogs in mainland Malay and Boracay Island.
Stray dogs are impounded in mainland Malay under the supervision of Municipal Rabies Control and Consultative Committee.
Last year, dog-catcher teams captured 396 dogs. From January to June this year, 388 stray dogs were also impounded in Malay, Aklan.
Meanwhile, pet lovers have been pushing designated dog-friendly beaches in Boracay Island to allow their dogs with leash for a walk on a daily basis./PN
