Bontoc holds massive jab of dogs, cats

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Officials here told folks to be mindful of responsible pet ownership as five cases of rabies were reported recently in this town with government workers and officials embarking on massive vaccination drive.
    In observance of Rabies Awareness Month this March, the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist urged pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies annually.
    Municipal government assistant department head Catherine Agcon of OMAg made this appeal during flag raising ceremony at municipal capitol grounds Monday.
    Aside from sharing information about responsible pet ownership and signs of canine rabies, Agcon said the five rabies cases were confirmed January to March.
    Ensure that your dogs are leashed or confined in their kennels for safety, she told pet owners. Agcon added as immediate response to rabies cases recorded in the municipality, the OMAg in partnership with the provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, barangay officials and partner agencies have been going around town for information drive and vaccination of pets wherein 38 cats and 1,637 dogs were vaccinated.
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. urged cooperation and support of the public on government program against rabies.  
    “March of every year, we observe Rabies Awareness Month. May this observance remind us to do our share to protect our families and the community against the dreadful disease of rabies. The Bontoc LGU through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist in partnership with the Provincial LGU of Mountain Province and other government agencies are providing free anti-rabies vaccine shots to dogs and cats. Thus, I encourage all pet owners to have your fur best friends and fur babies vaccinated,” Tudlong said.
    The nation observes Rabies Awareness Month, per executive order 84, series of 1999, and as stipulated in Republic Act No. 9482 or “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.”