The Provincial Veterinary Office (OIC) of Negros Oriental is targeting a five percent reduction in the total dog population of the province as part of its anti-rabies campaign.
However, PVO-in-charge Solomon Cadiz has admitted that this could be difficult to attain as the two easiest methods to prevent the local dog population to bloat, namely, neutering and castration, are expensive.
The province currently has an estimated total dog population of 95,000, with at least 48,000 dog heads having received anti-rabies vaccination as of July, this year, said Cadiz.
According to Cadiz, the province is also targeting to reach at least 80 percent of the total dog population to be immune from the rabies virus this year.
He urged dog owners to avail of the free vaccines being offered by the PVO and via the local government units with trained technicians as the province has been named recipient of funding from the Melinda-Bill Gates Foundation.
Meanwhile, Cadiz admitted that while the PVO and some LGUs continue to eliminate stray dogs by shooting them, the Animal Welfare Act has slowed down such campaign despite some local government ordinances allowing such practice.
To help the province in its rabies control program, Cadiz has reiterated to dog owners to practice responsible pet ownership. (PNA/JFP)