Makati rabies-free for past 2 years

The Makati City Veterinary Office (MCVO) said yesterday that the city has been rabies-free in the last 28 months, starting from february 2005 to present.

In a statement, City veterinarian Dr. Ma. Vivien Manalastas who heads the MCVO said the success of the city government in making Makati as rabies-free in the last 28 months was attributable to the cooperation between the City’s Health Department of the responsible pet owners.

“Our continuous citywide operation has greatly reduced threats of stray animal biting in Makati’s 33 barangays. We will keep our personnel  in the streets to continue catching stray animals, which are prime carriers of the dreaded rabies (virus),” Manalastas said.

She said that last year, the MCVO impounded a total of 2,436 stray dogs. This year, the MCVO has impounded 985 stray dogs from January to June.

“We are appealing to the animal owners to be responsible with their pets. I am encouraging residents to call the MCVO (at 889-7949 or 757-1413) for assistance if they see stray animals in the  neighborhood,” Manalastas said.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay lauded the MCVO, city health officials and responsible pet owners for their cooperation, which contributed to the city government’s success against the spread of rabies.

He said the City Council has also taken part in further strengthening Makati’s campaign against stray animals by passing Ordinance 2004-A010, otherwise known as the Animal Regulation and Control Code, which mandates pet owners to register their pets with the MCVO, which issues registration tags for identification.

Pet owners who fail to register their pets are fined P1,000 for the first offense and P2,500 for succeeding offenses, according to the ordinance. – Jose Rodel Clapano