The Oyo State government has implemented a mandate requiring residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats annually against rabies as part of efforts to curb the spread of the deadly disease. The government has imposed a penalty of N250,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for individuals who fail to vaccinate their pets in compliance with the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the importance of pet vaccinations in preventing the transmission of rabies. He urged all dog and cat owners who have not yet vaccinated their pets to visit veterinary centres immediately.

Olasunkanmi noted that the majority of rabies cases in humans are caused by dog bites, making it critical to vaccinate pets regularly and keep dogs confined. “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 prompt vaccination of dogs and cats,” he said.

The commissioner also pointed out that it is illegal under the 2019 Dog Law to allow dogs to roam without their owners, underlining the role of responsible pet ownership in protecting public health.

Over 70 percent of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, originating from animals, according to Olasunkanmi. To address this, the state has adopted a comprehensive strategy to control rabies and other zoonotic diseases, including free mass vaccinations for cattle under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative.

John Famoyin, the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Oyo State, commended the government’s proactive steps in tackling zoonotic diseases but called for stronger enforcement of the Dog Law to ensure public health and safety.