City vet reinforces dog vaccination program

THE City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) of Baguio recently heightened their dog vaccination and impounding of stray dogs.

Dr. Brigit Piok, city veterinarian, said that from January to October 15 of this year, their office has already vaccinated 11,449 out of an estimated 15,000 dogs in the city.

She said they are targeting at least 80 percent of the total dog population to be vaccinated in their office and in mobile teams conducting routine rounds in the barangays.

Aside from dog vaccination, she said they have also impounded some 1,092 dogs loitering in city streets.

The CVO has monitored three cases of rabies in dogs this year which she emphasized has not yet afflicted humans.

She urged the public to join them in their advocacy against rabies and continued vaccination of their pets.

The CVO also continues to implement other national and local ordinances for the protection of animals such as Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act and Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act.

The city veterinarian also stressed they implement City Ordinance 09-2008 requiring dog owners to register their pets in the barangays, have them vaccinated, and not to allow their dogs to roam outside their residences.

Other existing ordinances being implemented by the CVO also include Ordinance 69-1991 or the banning of the sale of dog meat except in places designated by the city mayor.