By Gabriel Olawale
Following the annual recurrence of deaths from rabid dog bites in Lagos State, the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, Lagos state chapter, has called on the state government to review existing dog laws in the state to encourage responsible dog ownership.
Speaking during an enlightenment exercise and free vaccination of dogs in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State to commemorate the 2016 World Rabies Day, the Chairman, Dr. Alao Mobolaji, said in order to avoid occurrences of deaths from rabid dog bites, the state needs to revisit the dog laws last reviewed in 1964.
“Every year, there are cases of rabies from dog bites in Lagos State and they often result in death, but this can be prevented if the Lagos State government can revisit the dog laws.
“The existing dog law in Lagos State is obsolete and cannot effectively ensure responsible dog ownership. It was first enacted in 1943 and last reviewed in 1964 before vaccine for dogs against rabies was discovered.”
According to the World Health organisation, WHO, rabies is a deadly disease that results in the death of about 59,000 people yearly. Most victims are in Asia and Africa. Mobolaji said one person dies every nine minutes from the disease and that the sad part is that children are the most vulnerable.
He called for proper equipping and mobilisation of the Stray Animal Rescue Unit of the State Veterinary Department to encourage easy removal of all stray dogs from environment.
“The State needs to improve its veterinary service because currently there is no veterinary hospital in Lagos that can diagnose rabies,” he remarked.
He, however ,encouraged dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually to keep them protected against rabies, explaining that once a person becomes a victim of dog bite whether or not such dog has rabies the first thing to do is to wash the spot with soap and running water before presenting for proper treatment.
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