BACOLOD City – The local government unit of Sagay City, Negros Occidental is set to launch its dog registration program for easy monitoring of pets in line with the observance of Rabies Awareness Month this March.
Dr. Baltazar Delorino, city veterinarian, said on Tuesday that they aim to register an initial 10,000 dogs in the northern Negros city.
Under the program, the City Veterinary Office (CVO) will take the dog’s photo, issue a dog tag, and give a record booklet to the owner to keep track of the pet activities.
Delorino acknowledged that “irresponsible” pet ownership remains as the CVO’s biggest problem. He appealed for an active community participation to address such concern.
“Avail of our veterinary services such as consultation, vaccination and castration. Do not wait for the CVO to come to you, have the initiative to keep your pets safe and healthy,” Delorino added.
Meanwhile, the CVO dismissed an allegation that they are using a “gas chamber” in eliminating impounded stray dogs in the city.
Delorino said his office is open for investigation.
He pointed out that “carbon monoxide” poisoning is prohibited under the amended Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Law.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Occidental stepped up its anti-rabies campaign with the strict implementation of the Rabies Control Action Plan for 2019.
The PVO also started organizing dog owners to assist its initiatives to bring down rabies cases in the province.
In 2018, canine rabies cases in Negros Occidental increased 50 percent, totaling 33 from only 22 in 2017. There were seven human deaths in the past year. (With PNA/PN)
