Tuesday, March 11, 2008 More dogs getting anti-rabies shots By Grace L. Plata
THERE has been an increase in the number of vaccinated dogs in the city from 2006-2007 and the City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) is expecting to have more this year with the impending suspension of the rabies fee.
Data gathered from the CVO show that 27,230 dogs were vaccinated in 2006. This increased to 29,851 in 2007 despite the P30 rabies fee. These numbers, however, are lower compared to that of 2004 (41,625). The number dropped to 34,464 in 2005 due to the implementation of the fees under the Tax Code.
From the period of January to February 2008, a total of 3,255 dogs have been vaccinated.
"We have the vaccination in the barangays right now as part of the Rabies Awareness Month and the Araw ng Dabaw Caravan pero may fee pa kaya medyo less ang turnout. Hinihintay na lang nila when it's free again by summer. In last year's caravan, free kasi ito due to an exemption facilitated by the City Council. During that time, we vaccinated at least 12,000 dogs," Dr. Cerelyn Pinili, Assistant City Veterinarian, said in Monday's interview.
The caravan will be in Toril District on March 12 and in Buhangin on March 13.
Even the number of impounded dogs has decreased from 5,699 in 2006 to 5,132 in 2007. The pet owners, however, claim only five percent of these dogs.
"Ang iba kasi pag nagpunta sa mga barangay operation namin tapos nalamang may bayad, itatapon na lang ang aso pero we hope that it will change as soon as free na ang vaccination," Pinili said.
Pinili added that the increase in the number of vaccinated dogs and the decrease of the number left on the streets can be attributed to the increased awareness of pet owners.
"Iba na kasi ngayon, mas alam na nila anong dapat gawin and the consequences of not having their dogs vaccinated. Ngayon nga, they also come for consultation when their pets get sick. We get an average of about 20 clients a day," Pinili said.
Consultations are given by the CVO free of charge. Medicines and vitamins, too, are provided as long as these are in stock.
"Matipid na yung magpa-consult sila dito para gamot na lang ang bibilhin kung sakali. When they go to the private vet, consultation pa lang mga P300 na. But we only accept outpatients kasi wala naman kaming space or equipment. Basta kailangan na ng surgery yung aso, we refer them to a private vet," Pinili said.
Last week, an ordinance to suspend rabies fees for two years has been passed by the Davao City council and is only awaiting the city mayor's signature to be effective and implemented.
Pinili said this would contribute greatly to their campaign to make the city rabies-free.
