Rabies cases: A sign of irresponsible pet ownership, says city vet

Local

Rabies cases in Cebu City continue to rise.

Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), however, said that the existence of rabies is a clear indicator of negligence among pet owners.

“If there is rabies, that means people do not care. It means they are irresponsible,” Utlang said in a news media forum on March 18.

She cited the existing ordinances in Cebu City that require pet owners to vaccinate their dogs.

During the forum, Utlang reported that in 2024, Cebu City recorded a total of 27 rabies cases, an increase of approximately 58.8 percent from the 17 cases in 2023.

As of March 18 this year, six cases have been recorded.

Last year, rabies cases were reported in 11 barangays across the city, with Lahug recording the highest number, followed by Mabolo, Basak San Nicolas, Tisa, Cogon Pardo, Bulacao, Carreta, Tinago, Barrio Luz, Ermita, and Zapatera.

Utlang previously explained that most infected animals were house dogs, meaning the issue is not just stray animals but also unvaccinated pets under human care.

She warned that unvaccinated dogs are vulnerable to rabies and can easily spread the virus within communities.

To curb the rising cases, the city shifted its approach by reducing dog impoundment while increasing vaccination efforts.

Utlang said that impounding even vaccinated street dogs removes a crucial defense mechanism against rabid animals.

“If a mad dog enters a house and bites a vaccinated dog, the vaccinated one will not go mad. Only the rabid dog will die,” Utlang said.

Despite repeated reminders, Utlang lamented that many pet owners remain indifferent. To enforce stricter regulations, the city will fully implement penalties against violators.

Under existing ordinances, pet owners who fail to vaccinate their dogs will be fined P2,000. If an unvaccinated dog bites a person and is immediately killed, the owner will pay a P5,000 fine. The same fine applies if a pet tests positive for rabies.

Additionally, owners who allow their unvaccinated dogs to roam freely will be issued citation tickets and fined P500 per violation.(TGP)