The Petauke Town Council, through its Public Health Department, has euthanized five (05) suspected rabid dogs in selected areas of the district as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.
This decisive action followed reports from concerned dog owners who suspected that some of their pets might have contracted rabies. In response, the Council swiftly deployed a team to conduct the operation in New Houses, parts of the Showground, Riverside, and Hillside areas. The five stray dogs were humanely put down and their remains safely and properly disposed of in accordance with health regulations.
As many residents will recall, the Local Authority carried out a large-scale culling of dogs in June this year. This latest exercise forms part of a continuous rabies control program. The Council emphasizes that such actions are in full compliance with the Control of Dogs Act (Chapter 247) and its subsidiary regulations, which require the removal of unregistered, unvaccinated, or stray dogs to prevent the spread of rabies and other public health threats.
The Public Health Section is urging all dog owners to ensure their pets are registered and fully vaccinated, as these measures are the most effective way to protect both humans and animals from rabies. Compliance will also help curb other potential public health risks posed by uncontrolled stray animals.
The Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the health and safety of the community. It stresses that safeguarding the public from rabies and other zoonotic diseases requires a collective effort from both authorities and residents. The Council commends the prompt reporting by dog owners, which greatly contributed to the swift and effective response.
