Makati intensifies drive vs stray dogs

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay ordered the Makati City Veterinary Office and all barangay officials yesterday to intensify the campaign against stray dogs and other animals roaming around.

Binay issued the directive after reports from the Makati Health Department showed that there were 449 incidents of animal bites from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 this year.

"I urge all animal owners to be responsible pet owners and keep their pet in their house," Binay said.

According to the veterinary office, Barangay Pembo has the most number of animal bite incidents with 66 cases, followed by the East Rembo with 36.

Binay said animal bites were also prevalent in Barangays Southside and Comembo, 28 each; Olympia, 27; West Rembo, 25; Poblacion, 22; Cembo, 18; Valenzuela, 17; Bangkal and Tejeros, 15 each; Pitogo, 14; Guadalupe Nuevo and Pio del Pilar, with 10 each; South Cembo, nine; Pinagkaisahan and La Paz, 8 each; Guadalupe Viejo, 7; San Isidro, Palanan, Sta. Cruz and Kasilawan, with 6 each; Carmona, 3; San Antonio and San Lorenzo, 2 each; and Dasmariñas, Bel-Air and Forbes Park, 1 case each.

"Of the total number of victims, 331 received anti-rabies vaccinations from the Makati Health Development. Luckily, there was no case of rabies reported," Binay said.

Binay also asked residents to call the Makati City Veterinary Office if they need assistance in catching stray animals in their neighborhood. – Jose Rodel Clapano