We all know there’s a problem with stray dogs on our city streets and if not contained, the situation can lead to many health problems not only for your favourite pet at home but also for humans. That is why since 1996, the Belize Animal Humane Society has been offering free vaccinations for your dog or cat. This year’s clinic takes place tomorrow Saturday at the YWCA from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon. Today 7News caught up with two of the coordinators Caroline Bowen who is the President of the Belize Animal Humane Society and shelter and their vet Dr. Annie Rose Yamaguchi.
Jacqueline Godwin,
What has been the response?
Caroline Bowen,
“Very good. In the beginning I think it was a brand new concept and they got high high numbers, it was 500 if I am not mistaken. It has tapered off but I think that is also because Public Health has done much more outreach within the city limits. They have gone and they actually go door to door but we try to assist them in doing the clinics twice a year for them also.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
The puppies and the kittens will all be vaccinated on Saturday. Tell us what happens when the owner takes his or her animal to the Y.
Caroline Bowen,
“Actually all we do is take down their information and then we go ahead and make sure the animal is of good health, not pregnant, not lactating, not feeding puppies, and go ahead and just give them a rabies injection.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
How many animals you’re expecting to treat on Saturday?
Caroline Bowen,
“We hope over 100.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
Why is it important for dogs like Little Blue here to be vaccinated against rabies?
Dr. Annie Rose Yamaguchi,
“It is very important because rabies is a disease that passes on to humans and if you want to have the human population free of rabies you have to take care of the animals too so cats and dogs need to vaccinated against rabies.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
I know I was surprised, just the other day I heard of a story, this parent was telling me that her young baby only a month and a few days old got a ringworm from a stray dog. I didn’t even know that was possible.
Dr. Annie Rose Yamaguchi,
“Yes and mange is also something that goes unto humans from the dogs; ringworms and all parasites which is also important to take care of for the animals and then the humans.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
And pet owners should take advantage of these special clinics because the service is free.
Dr. Annie Rose Yamaguchi,
“It is free and you get a certificate after you get your dog vaccinated so it is very important to take advantage of this service.”
On March first at ACC the Belize Animal Humane Society and shelter will be spaying and neutering dogs and cats in a campaign to control the number of stray animals in Belize. By the way there are over twenty dogs and cats at the animal shelter presently up for adoption. So if you are interested you can visit them at their location by mile four off the Western Highway.
