The West Africa Center for the Protection of Animal Welfare (WACPAW) has undertaken an exercise to combat the spread of rabies by vaccinating over 200 dogs in the Bolgatanga Municipality and the Nabdam district in the Upper East region.
Apart from the free vaccination exercise that was held on Saturday with the support of the Veterinary Service Department, the organization also provided free screening and treatment of minor ailments with a target of all livestock.
Abdul-Rahman Safian, the Executive Director of WACPAW, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the transmission of rabies, a zoonotic disease that poses a significant public health risk in many communities.
“In November last, we were in the region and organized a sensitization program with stakeholders in the livestock industry on the welfare of animals both domestic and farm animals. It was realized that there were a lot of pets, especially, dogs that were not vaccinated. That is why we have embarked on this exercise.”
Aside from vaccination, animal owners were admonished to shun away from acts that inflict pain on animals.
“Animal welfare is very dear to us and we want a situation where people will see animals as companions but not objects, where animals are treated anyhow. We will continue to sensitize the public, especially, people who have animals such as dogs but don’t know how to relate with them on the need to protect animals”, Mr.Safian added.
He disclosed plans to establish a rescue center in the Nangodi community by the end of March to serve as a haven for abused and stray animals. The Executive Director of WACPAW also disclosed plans to match during Ghana’s Independence Day parade towards ending animal cruelty.
Animal owners expressed gratitude for the initiative, indicating the critical role of vaccination in promoting community health and safety.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Nangodi|Ghana
