The Western Regional Directorate of the Veterinary Services has recorded three deaths from dog bites, (rabies) for the first half of the year.

Two of the deaths occurred in the Wassa East District  with one case in the Jomoro Municipality.

Dr. Simon Gbene,  Western Regional Director of the Service told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Takoradi.

He has therefore,  entreated all dog owners to vaccinate their pets at the nearest service centre to avoid a conflict with the law.

Dr. Gbene said, “we have enough vaccines , what is left is the individual bringing their pets for vaccination…that is the dog licencing, you cannot own a dog without yearly vaccinating that animal which may pose a threat to lives in the neighbourhood or community”.

He said the services had initiated a punitive action through the various assemblies to ensure compliance.

Every year, around the world, 70,000 children suffer or die from dog bites, a situation, Dr. Gbene described as disturbing.

He noted that, rabies death were preventable should individuals bitten by dogs, report on time: “don’t stay at home, or take money from the dog owner and refuse to access the appropriate care, the virus can stay up to two years in the human body, come immediately.”

Dr. Gbene called on the various district assemblies to support the efforts of the service by paying or subsidising for vaccination services in the communities.