By: Romeo Braceros Jr.

Photo: City Veterinarian's Office

Following the delivery of 10,463 vials of rabies vaccine, the City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) of Davao City has increased its rabies vaccination program.

The CVO is aiming to immunize 100,000 heads this year, according to Dr. Gay Pallar, chief of the Animal Husbandry and Disease Control Division.

They will concentrate more on vaccination this month and "lie low" on other procedures like castration, she claimed, because of a delay in the delivery of the majority of the vaccine.

CVO has vaccinated 75,395 dogs and cats as of October.

She claimed that more anti-rabies vaccinations are necessary since stray dogs and cats pose a significant risk of rabies in the city.

She further stated that residents of Davao may inquire about their barangay's schedule and bring their dogs.

She added that pet owners could bring their syringes and disposable needles.

She urged people to watch over their pets, feed them well, and shelter them so they won't wander off and scavenge for food elsewhere, such as in trash bins.

She continued by saying that even city subdivisions were asking the CVO for its impounding services was evidence of the frequency of stray dogs.

Pallar adds that their office has received several requests from subdivisions to impound animals due to irresponsible pet owners who just let their animals wander around.