The Oyo State government has implemented a mandate requiring residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies to mitigate the disease’s spread. Under the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, offenders who fail to vaccinate their pets annually may face a fine of ₦250,000, a six-month prison term, or both.
In a statement from Ibadan, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, stressed the critical need for pet vaccinations. He urged all dog and cat owners who have not yet vaccinated their pets to do so promptly at the state’s veterinary centers.
Olasunkanmi emphasized that most rabies cases arise from dog bites, making it vital for pet owners to keep their dogs confined and ensure regular vaccinations. “The best way to prevent rabies in humans is by vaccinating dogs and cats at least once a year. Human rabies deaths are 100 percent preventable with timely vaccinations for dogs and cats,” he stated.
He also highlighted that allowing dogs to roam unsupervised violates the Oyo State Dog Law.
Research shows that over 70 percent of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals. To address this, the Oyo State government is adopting a comprehensive approach to control rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
As part of these efforts, the state has organized free mass vaccinations for cattle under its Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative. John Famoyin, Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, praised the government’s initiatives to prevent zoonotic diseases. However, he urged all levels of government to ensure the effective enforcement of the Dog Law to enhance public health and safety.
