TABUK CITY, Kalinga – In support of March being Rabies Awareness Month, the City Veterinary Services Office has urged all barangays to reinforce the City of Tabuk’s stray dog and rabies control ordinance.
This call was made in response to some observations that indicated there were still dogs running loose in some barangays along public highways.
Based on Ordinance No. 04 Series of 2009 known as “Rabies and Stray Dog Control Ordinance of the City of Tabuk,” pet owners who will be caught violating the law for letting their pets roam around without a leash will be penalized.
On Section 6 (c) of the said ordinance, it was stated that all pet owners shall be required to maintain control over their dog and not allow it to roam the streets or any public place without a leash. As a penalty, pet owners who refuse to put leash on their dogs when they are brought outside the house shall be meted a fine of P500.00 for each incident.
According to City veterinarian Carmen Wanas, certain barangays in the city have already passed their own ordinances in support of the aforementioned law, particularly in areas where there are many dogs wandering the streets. She has urged other officials to follow suit.
According to the CVSO, in accordance to the aforementioned ordinance, there were 17 cases of rabies in 2019, seven in 2020, and one each in 2021 and 2022. The backing would aid in reducing the number of rabies cases in the city together with the enforcement drive.
Wanas noted that their office, with the cooperation of law enforcement, has the ability to seize dogs that are discovered wandering around public streets.
She clarified that the dogs that were seized could be given to people who are willing and capable to adapt, ideally canine club members.
According to some residents, if dogs are kept indoors and off the streets, this may also help to prevent vehicular traffic accidents.
The city has also reminded people to be responsible pet owners. They are welcome to bring their animals to the CVSO for immunizations and any available medical care. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
