Vaccination and registration of pet dogs and cats started in a village here on Tuesday to prevent the spread of rabies.

Sta. Lucia barangay chairman Hector Forbes said they conducted the activity for the safety of the residents.

“Ang iba pang layunin ng aming ginagawa ay para malaman kung gaano karami ang aso at pusa sa aming barangay at para masustinahan ang mga ito sa mga gamot na kailangan lalo na kapag dumating ang buwan ng pagbabakuna ng anti-rabbies (The other purpose of what we are doing is to find out how many dogs and cats are in our barangay and to provide them with the medicines they need especially when the month of anti-rabies vaccination arrives),” Forbes said.

He said the anti-rabies vaccination and consultation with a veterinarian and registration were free of charge. With the list-up, the pet owners are given an updated vaccination record.

“Sa lahat ng mga pet owner, kung maaari ay sikapin nating maiparehistro ang inyong mga alagang aso at pusa. Ito ang panawagan ng inyong lingkod upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan sa ating lugar (To all pet owners, let us try to register your pet dogs and cats. This is the call of your servant to maintain the safety of every citizen in our area),” Forbes said.

The registration of cats and dogs in this town is part of the campaign for responsible pet ownership being pushed by Mayor Aida Macalinao and the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor June Espino.

Accepted for enlistment are cats and dogs aged three months and above.

Some data asked for are the name of the pet and owner, date of birth of the pet, color and breed, sex and vaccine history.

Before registration, the registrant has to pass the assigned veterinarian for free consultation and vaccination.

Registration will continue to be held by schedule in all the town’s 14 barangays. (PNA)