TWO hundred fifty-two para-veterinarians (paravets) from six districts of Negros Occidental have completed the Level II Competency Training initiated by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).

The training was conducted at the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm’s Paravet Training Academy at Barangay La Granja in La Carlota City from September 12 to November 16, 2018.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the training mainly aims to further enhance the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of local paravets in terms of delivering basic animal health extension services in their respective barangays.

Decena said the Level II Competency Training comprised of topics pertaining to animal health management which includes discussion and understanding of Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

“They were also taught of the proper handling and restraint of animals, storage and handling of vaccines, and drug administration, he said, adding that “paravets are also made to understand the importance of learning these techniques as frontline service providers.”

PVO is banking on training local paravets as it has not only improved their skills. Also, the activity has served as venue to uphold the spirit of volunteerism through the sharing of experiences.

“Most of them have rendered voluntary services to the government devoting their time and effort for at least 20 years,” PVO said.

“With the proper techniques they learned from the training in handling animals they are able to, still, restraint large animals despite their growing ages,” it added.

For the paravets, meanwhile, responsible pet ownership remains a challenge for them.

They lamented that there is still lack of cooperation among dog owners during mass anti-rabies vaccinations.