Expert backs Osun police on straying dogs, urges vaccination

The chairman of the National Veterinary Medical Association, Osun State chapter, Dr Seyi Kolawole, on Sunday, called for an awareness campaign to address the issue of straying dogs in the state, particularly regarding rabies.

Kolawole was responding to the warning issued by the state police command to residents who rear dogs, urging them to ensure their pets are kept within a confined area to prevent them from attacking people.

While Kolawole expressed support for the police initiative to prevent dog attacks, he also called for the employment of more veterinary doctors and intensified awareness campaigns among residents to ensure that more local breed dogs are vaccinated against rabies.

“We received reports that Bauchi State has employed 85 veterinary doctors at once. Perhaps this is due to the large number of livestock there. Security is important in this part of the world, so keeping dogs is important. But as important as it is, as members of the National Veterinary Medical Association, we also emphasise enlightenment efforts,” Kolawole stated.

“We should inform people that anyone rearing dogs must ensure they are vaccinated, whether in a public or private clinic. If awareness is raised to such a level, we can be confident that we are making progress in eradicating the challenge in Osun State.

“It is not wrong for the police to issue such directives. It is a wake-up call. However, there are several other steps that should be taken.”

Earlier, the command had warned that it is an offence if a dog owner fails to control his or her pet, and if the animals are left unrestrained and attack people.

A statement by the command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, obtained in Osogbo, further noted the increasing incidents of dog attacks on people in recent times.

The public was urged to restrain their dogs in their houses, either in cages or on leashes, to reduce attacks on people. Additionally, dog owners were advised to vaccinate their dogs to reduce the risk of contracting the rabies virus if the pets bite people.

The statement partly read, “The police command is using this medium to draw the attention of the members of the public, especially those rearing or breeding dogs, especially exotic ones for guard/security purposes or otherwise, to the increasing recent attacks on people by their dogs.

“To this end, the police command enjoins members of the public to restrain their dogs in their houses in cages/leashes with a view to reduce attacks on people and further vaccinate these dogs in order to reduce the risk of contracting Rabies virus which can be deadly if these dogs happen to bite individual(s).

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, therefore, advises members of the public to be abreast of the Dog Acts Cap 35 Law of the Federation of Nigeria. A dog keeper: somebody who is in charge of a dog is supposed to ensure that every dog to be handled is vaccinated, duly controlled, and should not be set loose to bite passersby. Anything outside your yard (fence) is not your house, i.e. if any dog gets loose and bites anybody outside the compound, this is an offence.

“The CP further assures the good people of Osun State of his commitment to improve the status quo as one of the peaceful states in the country.”