By Fatima Muraina

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As part of its efforts in raising awareness on global elimination of rabies, Ondo State Government in collaboration with the state branch of Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association have began to give free vaccination to dogs and cats across the 18 local government areas.
The vaccination which was yesterday flagged off will end next Tuesday across the local government areas.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Mr Akin Olotu said the state is committed to the promotion of sound public health through efficient and sustained animal health care delivery services.
He applauded the veterinarians in civil service of the state as he disclosed that the Governor would soon be presented an award on Thursday.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Sunday Akintomide in his speech noted that the dog is celebrated to raise awareness and advocate for rabies elimination globally, designed to unite all people, organizations and stakeholders against rabies.
Akintomide who highlighted activities on rabies eradication awareness rally and free vaccination programme called on all pet-owners and stakeholders to ensure that the fatal zoonotic infection is eradicated from the society.
This, he noted could only achieved with regular annual rabies vaccination.
The State Branch President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Dr. Timothy Adeliyi urged people to share the facts and not the fear which is this year’s theme of celebration.
His words: “Rabies is preventable and very soon we would have a world free rabies. We need to project it to tell others that taking care of the health of dogs and cats is of paramount importance.”
He said a dog bit is not the end as he advised people to get water and detergent to clean the surface first before taking the victim for medical attention at the hospital.
The State Director of Veterinary Department, Mr Adebayo Ehinmowo in a chat while declaring that rabies was deadly charged pet owners and Dog Breeders to bring their dogs and cats for vaccination, saying that a sounding animal ensures a sounding human and a sounding and healthier environment.
Dog breeders and chainers, Mr Oluwadamilola Agbede, Tolu Dada and Dunsi Ogunmoyela applauded the state government and the veterinary medical association for the free vaccination which they described as very laudable and commendable.
Mr Tolu Dada advised dog breeders to train their dogs rather than the dogs misbehaving without control.