DOH strengthens drive vs rabies
The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development VI (CHD-6) further reinforced its campaign against rabies this month.
Dr. Joji Jimenez, regional rabies coordinator of CHD-VI, said that they are not discounting higher incidents of rabies on the month of March.
To further its drive, DOH strongly promotes dog control measures, dog vaccination, and the practice of responsible pet ownership.
Based on DOH statistics, Western Visayas is 7th in the country as far as the number of rabies incidents is concerned.
What was notable, Jimenez added, is that Iloilo is fourth among the country’s provinces.
“We’re hoping that by 2015, we will be rabies-free,” she added.
In its advocacy, DOH-CHD6 reminded those who were bitten by animals, especially dogs, to immediately seek help from the Animal Bite Center.
“Maski karos lang. Abi sang iban kay indi adto kagat, so wala sila ga seek sang consultation,” Jimenez said.
She pointed out that a child died in Tapaz, Capiz after a dog scratched him.
Meanwhile, the DOH also reminded dog owners on the provision of Republic Act No.9482 or the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007”.
Specifically, the DOH pointed out the responsibilities and penalties of dog owners.
Under the said law, pet Owners who fail or refuse to have their dog registered and immunized against Rabies shall be punished by a fine of P2,000.
Also, pet owners who refuse to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies shall be liable to pay for the vaccination of both the dog and the individuals bitten by their dogs.
Pet owners who refuse to have their dog put under observation after said dog has bitten an individual shall be meted a fine of P10,000.
Further, pet owners who refuse to have their dog put under observation and do not shoulder the medical expenses of the person bitten by their dog shall be meted a fine of P25,000.
Pet owners who refuse to put leash on their dogs when they are brought outside the house shall be meted a fine of P500. for each incident.
An impounded dog shall be released to its owner upon payment of a fine of not less than P500.
but not more than P1,000.
RA 9482 also dictates that any person found guilty of trading dog for meat shall be fined not less than P5,000 per dog and subjected to imprisonment for one to four years.
Any person found guilty of using electrocution as a method of euthanasia shall be fined not less than
P5,000 per act and subject to imprisonment for one to four years.
Jimenez also reminded that if the violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported after service of sentence without any further proceedings.
