TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – Hundreds of pet dogs and cats benefitted from a host of free services and products during the celebration of World Rabies Day and Animal Welfare Week at the Kalinga Sports Center on October 1, 2024.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and Tabuk City Veterinary Services Offices, in partnership with the Baguio City Veterinary Office, provided free spaying and neutering to around 100 dogs and cats.
A total of 391 dogs and cats were also given vitamins, deworming medication, anti-rabies vaccine, and anti-mange treatment. Pet food companies also supported the event, giving out free products to pet owners.
The event aimed to promote animal welfare and raise awareness on rabies with the conduct of an information education drive.
“We should treat animals the way we want to be treated as humans. We feed them properly, we provide them the basic necessities of life like food shelter, vaccinations, vitamins, exercise, and we should not allow them to stray,” Tabuk City Veterinarian Dr. Carmen Wanas emphasized.
“Please help us to prevent and control rabies by being responsible pet owners,” Wanas urged. Pet owners who attended the event expressed their appreciation as it allowed them to save money on treatments.”
“Napaka-beneficial siya sa tulad namin na sometimes busy din and sa mga nahihirapan din i-afford ‘yung ganitong services sa private clinics. Ang maganda din dito, bukod sa libre, is makikita mo rin ‘yung ibang dogs and ‘yung mga pets mo may time din makipag-socialize with the other pets,” said Ian Villarao who availed of anti-rabies vaccine and vitamins for his Chihuahua and two cats.
Another highlight of the celebration was a dog show featuring different breeds.
The participating dogs were judged on their overall appearance, temperament, and structure, highlighting how well they are trained and cared for by their owners.
Categories included small, medium, large, exotic bully, standard bully, and aspin. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
