The government of Oyo State has made it compulsory for residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies to control the spread of the disease.
According to the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, individuals who do not vaccinate their pets annually may face a fine of N250,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
In a statement released in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, stressed the significance of pet vaccinations.
He encouraged all dog and cat owners who have not yet vaccinated their pets to promptly do so by visiting veterinary centers in the state.
Olasunkanmi pointed out that studies indicate that most rabies cases stem from dog bites, underscoring the importance of keeping dogs confined and ensuring they receive regular vaccinations.
He stated, “The best way to prevent rabies in humans is by vaccinating dogs and cats at least once a year. Human rabies deaths, according to research, are 100 per cent preventable with prompt vaccination of dogs and cats.”
The commissioner also mentioned that according to the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, it is against the law to let dogs wander around without supervision. Additionally, he highlighted that more than 70% of diseases that can spread to humans come from animals.
As a result, the government is taking a comprehensive approach to manage rabies and other diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
As a part of these efforts, the state has organized free mass vaccinations for cattle through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative.
John Famoyin, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, praised the government for its actions to prevent diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
He also encouraged all levels of government to make sure that the Dog Law is properly enforced to improve public health and safety.
