Humane Society concerned about rabies
Concern about the recent detection of rabies in the Cayo District has spurred the Belize Humane Society and Animal Shelter to step up its campaign against the disease. The second in a series of free rabies clinics for dogs and cats will be held on Saturday at the Y.W.C.A. compound in Belize City. Maria Villanueva, who is a member of the board of directors of the society, says the basic idea behind the clinics, especially now, is that an ounce of prevention far outweighs any amount of cure.
Maria Villanueva, Board Member, BHSAS
“One reason is last year at the same time is that the Belize Humane Society vaccinated about four hundred and odd cats and dogs right, so we are asking the same people who came last year, to come back because the vaccinations are only good for one year, so they need a booster this year. And another thing in Cayo we have an outbreak of rabies, so we are trying to prevent that situation in Belize City right, because a rabid dog is not only a danger to the animals, but also to the human population, as well. So that is why we asking people to come out and if your dog has not received a vaccination and the dog is three months old, the dog is ready to get a rabies vaccination and it is for free.
We also have a euthanasia program, that if you see a stray dog or cat around that is sick, you can call a private vet and through PAHO we have funding to humanly put the dogs to sleep, not to poison them, to humanly put them to sleep and then the other thing is the spade neuter program. We are trying to get people to educate them to spade and neuter their pets so we don’t have all these stray dogs around the street and the Belize Humane Society give vouchers for up to fifty dollars and then you pick the vet of your choice, all the vets in Belize City are taking part and also in the districts. So you just need to call the Humane Society and then we will look at it and we’ll give a person to person case and give the vouchers to spade neuter the cat or the dog.”
While the vaccinations will be free of cost between the hours of eleven in the morning and two in the afternoon, the public is being encouraged to financially support the society and its programs. One way they can do so during Saturday’s clinic is by picking up a plate of boil up for only six dollars.