The Makati Veterinary Services Office has given free anti-rabies vaccinations to 5,217 pets in different barangays in the city’s two districts from July to early November, in line with the city government’s advocacy for rabies-free communities.
Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas, city veterinarian and MVSO head, reminded pet owners in the city to take their responsibilities seriously for the sake of their pets, and to protect their families and communities from harm.
“The city veterinary office is asking all pet owners to please provide their pets with the care and attention that these animals deserve,” Mangahas said.
The MVSO has given free rabies shots 496 pets in July, 1,634 in August, 1,951 in September, 1,304 in October, and 102 in early November.
Aside from exposing residents to rabies, stray animals also endanger them with their fecal matter, the doctor pointed out.
“We strongly advise pet owners to scoop up dog or cat stool in biodegradable plastic bags and properly dispose of it to protect themselves and their neighbors, especially children, from being infected,” she said.
They can either throw the feces in the trash can or flush it down the toilet without the plastic bag, Mangahas added.
Studies have shown that dog feces contain parasites and disease-causing bacteria and viruses that can infect humans, including hookworms, roundworms, Giardia, Salmonella, Leptospira, E. coli, and Parvo virus. It is also not safe to be used as fertilizer because of its toxicity.
The city veterinarian also warned pet owners that her office, in compliance with the directive of Mayor Abby Binay, has been imposing fines on pet owners caught violating the City Animal Regulation and Control Code, or City Ordinance No. 2009-009.
“Following the mayor’s orders, we have spared no one from paying the corresponding penalty for every provision violated. In fact, some of the violators had to pay P2,500 each for three violations—their pets were unregistered, unvaccinated, and roaming freely on the streets,” Mangahas said.
The MVSO has collected a total of P56,000 in fines paid by pet owners to reclaim their impounded dogs in the past months.
Most of the stray dogs impounded are either infected with distemper virus (a highly contagious viral infection in dogs), transmissible venereal tumor or TVT (a highly contagious viral infection in dogs that can be transmitted to humans) or mange (a contagious parasitic skin infection), Mangahas noted.
Some of the dogs were also diagnosed with prolapsed uterus that needs immediate surgical treatment. Others were too sick or emaciated.
The office also spayed and neutered 60 pets, 42 male and 18 female ones. Mangahas said surgeries for spay and neuter campaign are done by appointment. District 1 residents may call 889-7949 and residents of District 2 may call 834-1166 for inquiries or appointments.
