CEBU, Philippines - Over 100 cats and dogs in Barangay Kasambagan are expected to benefit from the free anti-rabies vaccination and other services today at the barangay’s sports complex from 9 a.m. to noon.
The project is facilitated by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries and barangay councilman George Chang whose personal advocacy as a pet lover is helping pet owners avoid the violation of Republic Act 9482 or the country’s Anti-Rabies Law.
The DVMF will be providing the anti-rabies vaccines and medical supplies for de-worming, mange treatment and ligation. DVMF will also bring veterinarians who will facilitate the ligation.
Chang will distribute dog food per pet and with the help of Barangay Kamagayan, they will conduct an education campaign to owners.
No registration is necessary. Pet owners just have to go to the sports complex. Chang has organized four similar activities for the past two years.
Last April 14, they held free vaccination in one of the sitios in Kasambagan.
Chang said they are bringing the program closer to communities that cannot afford to bring their pets to the barangay due to inconvenience.
Their target now is the residents of the seven villages or subdivisions in the barangay.
Flyers are being distributed to all residents explaining RA 9482 which defines the responsibilities of the pet owners and the penalties for the violations of its provisions.
According to the law, a P2,000 fine shall be imposed against pet owners who will fail to have their dogs registered or immunized and P25,000 for pet owners who refuse to shoulder the medical expenses of the bitten person, among others.
Chang said that barangay Kasambagan has an estimated dog population of 500.
Luckily, he said, they have had no case of rabies for a long time now and their average animal bite cases per year is only five.
He said that DVM has commended them for being among the few barangays active in the anti-rabies campaign.
Meanwhile, Barangay Kasambagan will also receive medical equipment for senior citizens from a Cebuano donor who has been working for 11 years in the United States.
Ronald Seifert will be donating accessible chairs, canes, strollers and a portable toilet.
Seifert said the items will be turned over to the barangay health center which promised to put the equipment to good use.
Seifert is Chang’s good friend who was convinced to help the barangay after they saw that many children and senior citizens needed medical attention.
He said he will encourage his friends in the US to also donate to the barangays to upgrade its capability to deliver health services. – (FREEMAN)