Dogs, cats benefit from medical mission

CEBU, Philippines - At least 524 dogs and 16 cats were given free services in Lapu-Lapu City's recent veterinary medical mission organized by the Office of the City Veterinarian at the city auditorium.

Doctor Janice Diaz-Togonon, city veterinarian, said since the city is dubbed as "Historic Resort City," pursuing a rabies-free city through the veterinary medical mission is a way of helping the city attract more tourists and also to make people aware of their social role as responsible pet owners.

Togonon and the rest of the Office of the City Veterinarian are targeting a rabies-free Lapu-Lapu City by 2016.

Last year, a total of 1,015 dogs have undergone the free animal services though the same initiative.

The vet-med mission is held annually every month of July, said Togonon. The activity, she added, complements their Rabies Control and Elimination Program, giving pet owners opportunity to avail of services for their pets such as castration, anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, vitamin supplementation and consultation.

Togonon said the medical activity for animals was conducted in coordination with the Provincial Veterinarian's Office - Cebu, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit-7, clinicians of Southwestern University-College of Veterinary Medicine, Poblacion barangay health workers, tanods and clean and green personnel. The Saint Alphonsus Catholic School Batch 1985 helped organize the event.