Mandaue's vet to run after "askals"

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will conduct an all-out operation against unregistered and stray dogs in the city next week, city veterinarian Daisy Penetrante said during a mass vaccination of dogs and cats at the barangay Paknaan gym in celebration of "World Rabies Day."

The operation will start in barangay Canduman, the place known to have the most number of dogs. 

Edwin Jumaoas, in charge of animal registration and impounding, said unregistered and stray dogs will be impounded, and owners will be allowed to reclaim the animals within three days.

Unclaimed animals will be gassed at the Mandaue City Livestock and Poultry complex in barangay Labogon.

Based in the 2011 survey, barangay Canduman has around 1,100 registered dogs.

Since the city veterinary office has already conducted free vaccination in all the 27 barangays in the city, the office hopes that by year 2013, Mandaue will be a "rabies free city."

The office has vaccinated 6,279 pets, of which only less than two percent are cats. Most of these dogs are "askals," not purebred.

Republic Act 9482, otherwise known as "Anti-Rabies Act of 2007" provides a fine of P500 on pet owners who fail to tie their dogs.

However, according to Penetrante, a local ordinance has increased the fine to P2,000.

Another P2,000 is imposed on those who fail to register their dogs. - THE FREEMAN