BONTOC, Mountain Province – The public is once again reminded to adhere to the Municipal Anti-Rabies Control Ordinance of this capital town.
Sponsored by Councilor Benedict Odsey II, the ordinance aims to promote responsible pet ownership, strengthen rabies control and eradication efforts, ensure health sanitation, especially in public places, encourage immediate reporting of stray dogs, and prevent the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.
Pet owners are advised to put their dogs on leash, not to let their pets outside of their residences or premises without leash, and have their dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies.
Violators shall pay a fine of not less than P500 on first offense and P1,000 on second and succeeding offenses.
The fines to be paid by the violators shall be shared by the municipal government and concerned barangay for the implementation and execution of the ordinance by the respective barangay tanods, green police, and other authorized functionaries from the barangay.
The Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAG) initiated the conduct of dog-catching training participated in by the barangay tanods from Bontoc Ili, Samoki, Caluttit, and Poblacion as well as personnel from the Municipal Health Office.
The municipal government through the Municipal Anti Rabies Control Council in collaboration with the barangays also carried out a series of dog-catching activities in the central business district.
Based on records from the OMAG, four positive cases of rabies were recorded in the town since January. – Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay and Aprilyn P. Tudlong
