The Osun State Police Command warned dog keepers/rearers in the state over the weekend to always keep their pets confined to prevent attacks on people in the state.
The command, which issued the warning in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola in Osogbo, further advised them to vaccinate their dogs to reduce the risk of contracting the rabies virus in case the pets bite people.
According to the statement, “It constitutes an offense if a dog owner fails to control his or her pet, and if the animals are left unrestrained and attack people.”
“The police command is using this medium to draw the attention of the public, especially those rearing or breeding dogs, especially exotic ones for guard/security purposes or otherwise, to the recent increasing attacks on people by their dogs.
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“To this end, the police command enjoins the public to restrain their dogs in their houses in cages/leashes to reduce attacks on people and further vaccinate these dogs to reduce the risk of contracting the rabies virus, which can be deadly if these dogs happen to bite individuals.”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Abba, therefore advises 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 offense.
“The CP further assures the good people of Osun State of his commitment to improving the status quo as one of the peaceful states in the country.”
He noted that there have been increasing incidents of attacks on people by dogs in recent times. It is necessary for dog owners to take such steps, as doing so would reduce attacks on people.
